Basil Pesto
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
5 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
153 kcal
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Course
Condiments
Basil Pesto
Description
The Basil Pesto recipe blends packed fresh basil leaves with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, pine nuts (which can be substituted with walnuts or almonds), and garlic. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors. Olive oil is slowly added during blending to create a balanced, smooth sauce without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
The result is a vibrant green sauce that is rich and oily from the olive oil, creamy from the cheese, and offers a subtle crunch from the nuts. The garlic adds a pungent aroma without overwhelming the herbal notes. Pesto is traditionally served unmixed with heat to avoid separation, making it ideal as a finishing sauce or accompaniment to cooked pasta and other dishes.
Variations include swapping or supplementing basil with other fresh herbs or greens such as parsley, dill, or kale. Using light-flavored oils like canola or grapeseed can adjust the flavor profile. Toasting nuts beforehand intensifies their flavor. The pesto can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for longer storage.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil packed, fresh leaves
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese or romano cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup pine nuts walnuts or almonds
- 1 clove garlic quartered
- ¼ teaspoon salt more to taste
- ¼ to ⅓ cup olive oil divided
Instructions
- Place basil in a food processor with 1 tablespoon of oil. Pulse several times until blended.
- Add the parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle the olive oil, scraping the sides as needed, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Taste and season with additional salt if desired.
Notes
- Do not cook pesto; add it to hot pasta after cooking to prevent separation.
- Mix basil with other herbs or greens like parsley, dill, spinach, kale, or arugula to vary flavor.
- Use light-flavored oils such as canola, grapeseed, or avocado if desired; quantity can be adjusted to reach preferred consistency.
- Toast and cool nuts before blending to enhance their flavor; pine nuts can be substituted with walnuts or almonds.
- Store leftover pesto refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 153 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 153 | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 6mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 231mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 65mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 487IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 113mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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