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4.9 from 132 votes

Basil Pesto

Fresh basil pesto is easy to make and its packed with flavor. Serve it over chicken, toss with pasta, or use it as a tasty bread dip.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 153 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese or romano cheese
  • 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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place basil in a food processor with 1 tablespoon of oil. Pulse several times until blended.
  2. Add the parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
  3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle the olive oil, scraping the sides as needed, until it reaches the desired consistency.
  4. Taste and season with additional salt if desired.

Notes

  • Pesto can be added to hot pasta but should not be cooked as it can separate.
  • Herbs - Short on Basil? Add in some other herbs or greens. Try parsley, dill, spinach, kale, or arugula.
  • Oil - Choose a light-flavored oil - Canola oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil work too. You may not need all of the oil.
  • Nuts - Toast and cool the nuts for extra flavor. Pine nuts can be replaced with walnuts or almonds.
  • Refrigerate leftover pesto for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Information

Calories 153 (8%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 6mg (2%) Sodium 231mg (10%) Potassium 65mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 487IU (10%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 113mg (11%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 153

% 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.