Homemade Basil Pesto
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Total Time
5 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
137 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian
Homemade Basil Pesto
Description
This recipe calls for loosely packed fresh basil leaves combined with whole garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil. These ingredients are blended to a preferred smoothness or left a bit chunky according to taste. The olive oil acts both as a blending agent and preserves the sauce’s fresh flavor and glossy texture.
The resulting pesto has a balance of fresh herbaceous basil, pungent garlic, savory Parmesan, and crunchy, nutty pine nuts. This sauce can be used to dress pasta, top grilled meats, or serve as a condiment or dip. It holds well when refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week, maintaining its flavor and avoiding oxidation.
Substitutes such as sunflower seeds or walnuts can be used instead of pine nuts to make the pesto more economical. The texture and nutty flavor vary slightly depending on the nut used, but the basil and garlic remain the defining elements. The recipe requires no cooking, making it quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil loosely packed, fresh leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
Instructions
- Measure 2 cups fresh basil leaves by loosely packing them into a measuring cup. Place the leaves into a food processor or blender.
- Add in 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, and 1/4 cup pine nuts. Blend until fairly smooth, or to your desired consistency. Some people like to leave it chunkier, while others prefer it smooth.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 to 7 days.
Notes
- Sunflower seeds make an affordable substitute for pine nuts while maintaining a nutty texture.
- Alternative nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be used to adjust flavor and cost.
- Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 5 to 7 days for best freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 137 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tablespoons | |
| Calories | 137kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 110mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 59mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 0.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 372IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 69mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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