5 from 12 votes
Homemade Basil Pesto
Homemade Basil Pesto is prepared by blending fresh basil leaves with garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil into a sauce with a textured, herbaceous character. This versatile green sauce brings bright herb flavors and a creamy, slightly nutty profile ideal for pasta, spreads, or dressings.
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings:
8
servings
Calories:
137 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Italian
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 137
% 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.