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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
    Cup of Yum
  1. Grate the parmesan, mince the garlic and zest the lemon.
  2. Toast the pine nuts
  3. 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!
Make the pesto
  1. In a food processor, add the basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
  2. Process until fine, but not slushy.
  3. With the processor running, add the oil in a slow stream until the mixture is smooth and thick.
  4. Add half the parmesan, and pulse VERY briefly.
  5. Remove pesto from the food processor, and place in a bowl. Add remaining parmesan and fold through.
  6. 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.

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