Basil Pesto Recipe
Pesto Sauce is so easy to make and homemade pesto tastes way better than storebought. This Basil Pesto recipe is fantastic with pasta, chicken, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, tightly packed*
- 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, *
- 2 garlic cloves, (large)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, (juice of 2 small lemons)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry the basil leaves - you can use a salad spinner to make this step easier.
- Place basil into a food processor. Add parmesan cheese, nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
- Season with more salt to taste if desired.
Notes
*Basil: We used an Italian large-leaf basil (sweet basil) but you can experiment with Thai basil or lemon basil for a different flavor profile.
*Nut substitutions: Pine nuts are traditional for pesto, but you can substitute them with walnuts or blanched almonds.
*Toast the nuts: For more flavor, you can toast the nuts over medium heat in a dry skillet, tossing frequently until the nuts are golden and fragrant then cool to room temperature before using.
*Nut substitutions: Pine nuts are traditional for pesto, but you can substitute them with walnuts or blanched almonds.
*Toast the nuts: For more flavor, you can toast the nuts over medium heat in a dry skillet, tossing frequently until the nuts are golden and fragrant then cool to room temperature before using.
Nutrition Facts
Basil Pesto Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
205
% Daily Value*
Fat
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
4
g
25
%
Cholesterol
8
mg
3
%
Sodium
290
mg
13
%
Potassium
88
mg
3
%
Carbohydrates
2
g
1
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
375
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
4.3
mg
5
%
Calcium
117
mg
12
%
Iron
0.8
mg
4
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
