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Fresh Basil Pesto

Learn how to make pesto with fresh pesto! The perfect blend that's easy and delicious.

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 1 c.
Calories: 1813 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 c. fresh basil leaves packed, no stems
  • 2 Tbsp pine nuts
  • 3 large cloves garlic
  • ½ c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ c. extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt more to taste
  • ⅛ tsp ground black pepper more to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place basil leaves, pine nuts and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times.
  2. Add Parmesan cheese to the bowl and pulse several more times. Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula.
  3. Turn on the food processor and slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady, small stream while it’s running. This will help it emulsify and help keep the olive oil from separating. Occasionally stop and scrape the sides of the food processor down.
  4. Stir in salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Notes

  • How to Store It: Homemade pesto will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container!
  • How to Freeze It: I love to make a big batch at the end of the summer and freeze it in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, keep the cubes in a freezer bag and add them to your favorite dishes.
  • How to Make Pesto Without a Food Processor: If you have a regular stand blender, you can use that! I recommend roughly chopping the basil and garlic first and then blend everything in the blender. Slowly pour in the oil while it’s running until the sauce is the consistency you like.
  • How to Make Pesto Without Pine Nuts: The flavor will be a little different, but sometimes I use walnut or almonds instead of pine nuts. They work great.

Nutrition Information

Calories 1813kcal (91%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 64g (128%) Fat 169g (260%) Saturated Fat 38g (190%) Cholesterol 104mg (35%) Sodium 2413mg (101%) Potassium 1704mg (49%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 25991IU (520%) Vitamin C 88mg (98%) Calcium 2172mg (217%) Iron 18mg (100%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1c.

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1813

% Daily Value*

Calories 1813kcal 91%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 64g 128%
Fat 169g 260%
Saturated Fat 38g 190%
Cholesterol 104mg 35%
Sodium 2413mg 101%
Potassium 1704mg 36%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 25991IU 520%
Vitamin C 88mg 98%
Calcium 2172mg 217%
Iron 18mg 100%

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