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Basil Pesto Recipe

Pesto Sauce is so easy to make and homemade pesto tastes way better than storebought. This Basil Pesto recipe is fantastic with pasta, chicken, or sandwiches.

Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 8 people (makes 1 1/2 cups pesto)
Calories: 205 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves tightly packed*
  • 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts *
  • 2 garlic cloves (large)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (juice of 2 small lemons)
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Wash and dry the basil leaves - you can use a salad spinner to make this step easier.
  2. Place basil into a food processor. Add parmesan cheese, nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
  3. Season with more salt to taste if desired.

Notes

  • *Basil: We used an Italian large-leaf basil (sweet basil) but you can experiment with Thai basil or lemon basil for a different flavor profile.*Nut substitutions: Pine nuts are traditional for pesto, but you can substitute them with walnuts or blanched almonds. *Toast the nuts: For more flavor, you can toast the nuts over medium heat in a dry skillet, tossing frequently until the nuts are golden and fragrant then cool to room temperature before using. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 205kcal (10%) Carbs 2g Protein 3g (6%) Fat 21g (32%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 8mg (3%) Sodium 290mg (12%) Potassium 88mg (3%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 375IU (8%) Vitamin C 4.3mg (5%) Calcium 117mg (12%) Iron 0.8mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people (makes 1 1/2 cups pesto)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 205

% Daily Value*

Calories 205kcal 10%
Carbs 2g
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 21g 32%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 290mg 12%
Potassium 88mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 375IU 8%
Vitamin C 4.3mg 5%
Calcium 117mg 12%
Iron 0.8mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.