5.0 from 3 votes
Basil Pesto
Pesto is so easy to make, and perfect on pasta, sandwiches and in sauces and dressings.
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 16
Calories: 98 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Italian , American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 2.25 ounces pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1.5 ounces Parmesan Cheese grated (divided) about 1/2 cup
Instructions
Get prepped
- Grate the parmesan, mince the garlic and zest the lemon.
- Toast the pine nuts
- Add pine nuts to a dry skillet, with no oil. Heat over medium, stirring often until golden brown and fragrant – about 3 minutes. Be careful not to burn!
Cup of Yum
Make the pesto
- In a food processor, add the basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
- Process until fine, but not slushy.
- With the processor running, add the oil in a slow stream until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Add half the parmesan, and pulse VERY briefly.
- Remove pesto from the food processor, and place in a bowl. Add remaining parmesan and fold through.
- Use pesto immediately or store in a tightly sealed jar or air-tight plastic container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- Freeze up to 3 months. Freeze a few in ice cube trays and add to soups and stews as needed. Can use walnuts or pistachio nuts in place of pine nuts.
Nutrition Information
Calories
98kcal
(5%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
6g
Cholesterol
2mg
(1%)
Sodium
79mg
(3%)
Potassium
37mg
(1%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
180IU
(4%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
38mg
(4%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 16Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 98
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 98kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 2mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 79mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 37mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 180IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 38mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.