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5.0 from 9 votes

Basil Parsley Pesto

Perfect pesto every time! It's deliciously fresh and bright and incredibly flavorful.

Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups (55g) packed basil leaves*
  • 1 cup (packed, 30g) parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup (34g) pine nuts** (un-toasted or toasted)
  • 1/2 cup (35g) grated parmesan cheese***
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • salt to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To a food processor add basil, parsley, pine nuts, parmesan cheese and garlic and process mixture until finely minced, while occasionally scraping down sides of processor. 
  2. Add 1/2 olive oil and process until well pureed, occasionally scraping down the sides of processor. Thin with a little more oil if mixture is thick, season with salt to taste.
  3. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container.

Notes

  • How to Blanch Basil:
  • If you want to keep the pesto green, you'll need to blanch the basil first (this step is optional, it's only if you want it to stay nicely green). To do so, bring a large pot of water to a boil over moderately high heat and fill a medium bowl with ice and cold water.
  • Carefully transfer half of the basil to boiling water using a large wire sieve, then submerge and allow to boil for just 5 seconds. Immediately remove from boiling water and transfer to ice water.
  • Allow to rest for about 10 seconds, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess water (lightly dab water away, but don't squeeze dry). Repeat with remaining basil.
  • * In a pinch you can also stretch it by using 1/2 baby spinach in place of 1/2 of the basil the flavor just won't be as vibrant.
  • **If you'd like you can also toast the pine nuts in the oven or in a skillet for extra flavor if preferred.
  • ***I like to use a zester to grate the parmesan for fine delate shreds that blend well into the sauce.