5 from 72 votes
Simple Basil Pesto Recipe
Simple Basil Pesto blends fresh basil leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses, lemon juice, and olive oil into a creamy, emulsified sauce. The toasted nuts add depth, while the lemon juice lifts the flavors and preserves the basil’s bright green color. This versatile pesto offers a rich, herbaceous, and tangy condiment ideal for pasta, sandwiches, or spreads.
Prep Time
15 mins
Servings:
16
servings
Calories:
115 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Condiments
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 2 packed cups basil fresh leaves
- 3 garlic cloves
- lemon juice of ½ lemon
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted
- 2 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese grated
- ¾ cup olive oil
- salt coarse, to taste
- black pepper coarse, to taste
Instructions
- Add the pine nuts to a small sauté pan over low heat and cook for 4-5 minutes or until lightly browned. Frequently stir with a spoon so they do not burn. Set aside.
- Add the basil, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese and pine nuts to a food processor and pulse oh high speed 12-15 times or until finely chopped.
- Add in the pecorino roman cheese and salt and pepper and pulse on high speed while drizzling in the olive oil until it becomes emulsified.
- Store until ready to use.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Toast pine nuts to deepen flavor but it is optional.
- Prepare pesto up to 5 days ahead for best freshness; refrigerate up to 10 days or freeze up to 3 months in portions.
- Lemon juice adds a fresh acid note and preserves bright green color.
- Do not heat pesto excessively to avoid separation; keep it creamy and emulsified.
- Omit pine nuts for a nut-free version called Pistou.
Nutrition Information
Calories
115kcal
(6%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
2g
(4%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
3mg
(1%)
Sodium
56mg
(2%)
Potassium
22mg
(0%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
185IU
(4%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
48mg
(5%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 16 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 115
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 115kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 56mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 22mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 185IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 48mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.