Quick Simple Pesto Classic Pesto Recipe Sauce
Get ready to elevate your meals in just 10 minutes with this *Quick Simple Pesto Classic Pesto Recipe Sauce*, a timeless blend of fresh, vibrant flavors. Made with fragrant basil leaves, nutty Parmesan cheese, buttery pine nuts, and a hint of garlic, this no-cook sauce is effortlessly emulsified with extra-virgin olive oil for a velvety texture. A touch of lemon juice adds optional brightness, making it versatile enough to pair with everything from pasta and sandwiches to roasted veggies and breads. With just a handful of ingredients and a food processor, you’ll have a homemade pesto bursting with classic Italian flavor that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Store it in the fridge or freezer for a go-to sauce that’s always fresh and ready to use!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (lightly packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 0.33 cup Pine nuts
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
Pulse the ingredients a few times until they are coarsely chopped and combined.
While the food processor or blender is running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Add salt, ground black pepper, and lemon juice (if using) to the mixture. Pulse a few more times to combine.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or lemon juice for tang.
Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or bowl and cover tightly if not using immediately. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Serve over cooked pasta, as a spread for sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables and bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
400 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.7 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.0 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 434 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.0 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.4 g | ||
| Protein | 7.0 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 202 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 143 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
