5 from 111 votes
Basil Pesto
Basil Pesto is made by blending fresh basil leaves with toasted pine nuts and cashews, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning to create a creamy herb sauce. The nuts are toasted to deepen the flavor before being combined with the other ingredients, making a rich and aromatic pesto. Optional parmigiano reggiano adds a cheesy note to enhance the overall taste.
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
10
servings
Calories:
90 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup olive oil or more as needed
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup pine nuts raw
- ¼ cup cashew nuts raw
- 2 cup basil packed leaves
- 3 garlic cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup parmigiano reggiano optional
Instructions
- Toast the pine nuts and cashews in a skillet on medium-low heat for 5 minutes, tossing gently. Then place them in your food processor or blender.
- Add the remaining pesto ingredients to the blender. If using a food processor, pulse until the ingredients are mixed. If using a blender, slowly turn the speed to high and use the tamper to push the ingredients into the blades until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Toasting the pine nuts and cashews adds a richer flavor but can be skipped if preferred.
- Using a high-speed blender or food processor helps create a smooth and creamy pesto texture.
Nutrition Information
Serving
2tbsp
Calories
90kcal
(5%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Sodium
78mg
(3%)
Potassium
29mg
(1%)
Vitamin A
135IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
0.7mg
(1%)
Calcium
20mg
(2%)
Iron
0.3mg
(2%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 10 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 90
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tbsp | |
| Calories | 90kcal | 5% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 78mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 29mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 135IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.7mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.