0 from 21 votes
Basil Pesto (Pesto Genovese)
This healthy basil pesto recipe is made with just 5 simple ingredients! It's the perfect sauce to elevate delicious weeknight dinners and amazing appetizers.
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 213 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil packed firmly
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 2/3 cup olive oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the pine nuts. Toast them gently, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown. Be cautious as they can burn quickly. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.
- Ina blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Pulse the mixture a few times to break down the ingredients.
- Slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil with the blender or food processor running. Continue blending until the sauce reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Be mindful not to over-blend, as it can affect the sauce's texture.
- Transfer the Pesto Genovese to a clean jar or airtight container. To preserve itsvibrant green color, cover the sauce with a thin layer of olive oil beforesealing. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen forlonger shelf life.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Serving
2tablespoons
Calories
213kcal
(11%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
22g
(34%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Cholesterol
4mg
(1%)
Sodium
100mg
(4%)
Potassium
48mg
(1%)
Vitamin A
365IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
1.2mg
(1%)
Calcium
85mg
(9%)
Iron
0.6mg
(3%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 213
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 213kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 100mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 48mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 365IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 1.2mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 85mg | 9% |
| Iron | 0.6mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.