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How to Make THE BEST Pesto Recipe
4.8 from 81 votes

How to Make THE BEST Pesto Recipe

This pesto recipe blends toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic emulsified with extra-virgin olive oil and brightened with lemon juice. The result is a smooth, green sauce with balanced nutty, cheesy, and herbal flavors, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. It works well as a sauce for pasta, spread, or condiment.

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 16
Calories: 102 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • ½ cup pine nuts , toasted
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese fresh grated, plus more for garnish
  • 1 garlic roughly chopped, clove
  • 2 cups basil washed and stemmed and finely packed, fresh leaves
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ lemon , juiced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add roughly chopped garlic, toasted pine nuts, and finely grated parmesan cheese to the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Add the fresh basil leaves and pulse until chopped.
  2. While the processor is running, drizzle the olive oil through the shoot until the mixture is emulsified and smooth. Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and whiz again.
  3. Taste for seasoning and adjust to your liking.

Notes

  • Consume pesto soon after making for freshest flavor and vibrant color.
  • When storing, pour a layer of olive oil on top to create a seal that prevents darkening.
  • Stir the olive oil into the pesto before serving if stored.
  • Keep pesto refrigerated and use within one week for best quality.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2tablespoons Calories 102kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 2mg (1%) Sodium 123mg (5%) Potassium 42mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 185IU (4%) Vitamin C 2.4mg (3%) Calcium 44mg (4%) Iron 0.4mg (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 102

% Daily Value*

Serving 2tablespoons
Calories 102kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 123mg 5%
Potassium 42mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 185IU 4%
Vitamin C 2.4mg 3%
Calcium 44mg 4%
Iron 0.4mg 2%

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