Name: Easy Homemade Pesto Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 8 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup pine nuts; 2 ounces fresh basil leaves (about 2 cups packed); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, peeled; ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

This Easy Homemade Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. Fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil blend together for a classic pesto that’s bursting with flavor. This simple recipe is a must-have for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: This pesto captures the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, making it a delicious addition to a variety of dishes.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you can whip up a batch of this homemade pesto in minutes.
Versatile: This pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, a topping for pizzas, or a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Homemade Pesto:

Pine nuts: Toasted, adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Fresh basil leaves: The star ingredient, provides a vibrant green color and fresh basil flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and cheesy flavor.
Olive oil: Creates a smooth and emulsified texture.
Garlic cloves: Peeled, adds a pungent flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Easy Homemade Pesto

Step 1: Toast the Pine Nuts

Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Shake the pan frequently and watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

Add the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse in 5-10 second bursts until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or olive oil to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Adjust Seasoning

Taste the pesto and adjust the salt and pepper as needed to your liking.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use fresh basil: For the best flavor, use fresh basil leaves that are vibrant green and fragrant.
Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts enhances their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch to the pesto.
Adjust the garlic: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, use fewer garlic cloves.

How to Serve

Pasta Sauce: Toss this pesto with your favorite pasta for a simple and delicious meal.
Sandwich Spread: Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for an extra layer of flavor.
Pizza Topping: Use it as a base or topping for pizzas.
Marinade: Marinate chicken, fish, or vegetables in the pesto before grilling or roasting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent browning, you can add a thin layer of olive oil on top of the pesto before storing.

Freezing

Freeze leftover pesto in ice cube trays for convenient portioning. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container for longer storage. Frozen pesto can be stored for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or cashews.

Can I make this pesto vegan?

Yes, you can use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute to make this pesto vegan-friendly.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

While fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil for every ½ cup of fresh basil.

How can I make this pesto spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of diced jalapeño to the pesto for extra heat.