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4.9 from 1,410 votes

Basil Pesto

This classic basil pesto recipe is nutty and bright. We love it on pasta, pizza, and more! See the post above for my favorite pesto sauce variations.

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Basic Basil Pesto:
  • ½ cup toasted pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more for a smoother pesto
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper and pulse until well chopped.
  2. Add the basil and pulse until combined.
  3. With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until combined. Add the Parmesan cheese, if using, and pulse to briefly combine. For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil.