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Easy Pesto Sauce Recipe
A homemade pesto sauce recipe is a quick and easy way to add flavor to any dish. You'll learn how to make this Easy Pesto Recipe that has fresh, healthy ingredients for maximum flavor.
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 205 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves tightly packed
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic about 3 cloves garlic, adjust to your liking
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or more to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil or more to thin as needed
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, combine the pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse several times to break down the ingredients. Add the basil and pulse to combine.
- With the machine running, gradually add the olive oil in a slow and steady stream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt or garlic.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean glass jar or container with a lid. The recipe makes approximately 1 cup of pesto.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Here are some tips and variations to keep in mind when making and using pesto:
- Toasting the pine nuts is optional, but it adds a nuttier flavor to the pesto.
- To make this pesto vegan, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- You can substitute other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for the pine nuts if desired.
- For a nut-free pesto, use sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) instead of nuts.
- Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- You can use this pesto in various dishes such as pasta, sandwiches, and pizza or as a dip for vegetables.
- If not using immediately, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Serving
2tablespoons
Calories
205kcal
(10%)
Carbohydrates
2g
(1%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
21g
(32%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
4g
Monounsaturated Fat
12g
Cholesterol
5mg
(2%)
Sodium
183mg
(8%)
Potassium
84mg
(2%)
Fiber
0.4g
(2%)
Sugar
0.3g
(1%)
Vitamin A
373IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
69mg
(7%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 205
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 205kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 183mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 84mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.3g | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 373IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 69mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.