5.0 from 36 votes
Basil Pesto Recipe
My basil pesto recipe is classic, fool proof, and mouthwateringly delicious. I show you how to make authentic pesto Genovese, step by step.
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 1 pint
Calories: 55 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh basil leaves, rinsed and drained on a clean kitchen towel
- 2/3 cup olive oil (see notes below)
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, about 2 ounces, toasted or not
- 1/3 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Put the basil into your food processor fitted with the metal blade, pushing it down to fit, if necessary.
- Add the rest of the ingredients on top. Pulse the machine 20 times. Then scrape down the sides.
- Pulse the machine 20 more times, and scrape again.
- Run the machine for about 5 seconds. Scrape again. Give it a taste to make any adjustments to the ingredients.
- Run for a final 5-10 seconds, at most. The pesto should be perfect.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- I use extra virgin olive oil, but it may be too strong for some. I recommend a mild style olive oil for a less bitter flavor.
- Your pesto will last about a week in the fridge. Freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1Tbsp
Calories
55kcal
(3%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
6g
(9%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Cholesterol
1mg
(0%)
Sodium
91mg
(4%)
Potassium
21mg
(1%)
Fiber
0.1g
(0%)
Sugar
0.1g
(0%)
Vitamin A
168IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
15mg
(2%)
Iron
0.2mg
(1%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 1pint
Amount Per Serving
Calories 55
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Tbsp | |
| Calories | 55kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 91mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 21mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 168IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.