Yummy Pesto
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Yummy Pesto recipe is a quick and easy homemade sauce that elevates any dish in just 10 minutes! Made with vibrant fresh basil, toasty pine nuts, savory Parmesan cheese, and a hint of zesty lemon juice, this classic pesto is perfectly balanced with the smooth richness of extra virgin olive oil and a touch of garlic. The recipe requires no cooking, making it a breeze to whip up for pasta, sandwiches, salads, or as a dip. Whether you're looking for a versatile, make-ahead condiment or a bold, herbaceous topping, this homemade pesto is sure to become a kitchen staple. Pro tip: Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient single-serving portions! Perfect for fans of fresh, Italian-inspired sauces.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cups Pine nuts
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cups Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Pulse the mixture a few times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped and well combined.
Gradually add the olive oil while pulsing or running the food processor. Continue processing until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. For a smoother pesto, add extra olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time if necessary.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or container and store in the refrigerator if not using immediately. It can be stored for up to a week, or freeze portions in an ice cube tray for later use.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1485 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 151.8 g | 195% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.8 g | 139% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 1301 mg | 57% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.7 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.6 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 25.1 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 634 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 648 mg | 14% | |
*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.
