Description
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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 ounces fresh basil leaves (about 2 cups packed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Toast Pine Nuts: Toast pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Blend Ingredients: Add toasted pine nuts, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse in 5-10 second bursts until smooth. If the mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water or olive oil.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- This recipe yields about 1 ½ cups of pesto.
- Wash and dry basil thoroughly before using.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.
- Toasting the pine nuts enhances their flavor.
- Freeze leftover pesto in ice cube trays for convenient portioning.
- Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 272kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 231mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
