Simple Basil Sauce for Two
Elevate your meals with this easy, flavor-packed Simple Basil Sauce for Two, a true celebration of fresh, aromatic ingredients. This no-cook basil pesto comes together in just 5 minutes, blending vibrant basil leaves, garlic, buttery pine nuts, nutty Parmesan cheese, and a splash of zesty lemon juice for a perfectly balanced taste. Drizzled with rich extra virgin olive oil and lightly seasoned with salt and black pepper, this versatile sauce is perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on crusty bread, or dressing up your favorite cooked dishes. Ideal for small households or intimate dinners, this recipe ensures bold flavor in a small batch, making it a go-to for weeknight meals or casual entertaining.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup (packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.125 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse and gently pat dry the basil leaves with a clean kitchen towel to remove any moisture.
In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pulse the mixture a few times to begin breaking down the ingredients into a rough paste.
While the blender or processor is running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and emulsified. Stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed.
Add fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Blend briefly to combine.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately with your favorite pasta, as a dip, or as a garnish for cooked dishes. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
649 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.6 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.6 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 743 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.6 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 7.0 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 145 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 196 mg | 4% | |
*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.
