What can I use basil pesto for?

Basil pesto is incredibly versatile! You can toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, use it as a pizza sauce, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or even use it as a dip for crackers.

Can I freeze basil pesto?

Yes, basil pesto freezes beautifully! Just spoon it into ice cube trays or small containers, cover it with a layer of olive oil, and it should keep for about six months. Thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to use it.

Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese in basil pesto?

It’s not necessary! While Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, you can skip it for a dairy-free option or substitute with nutritional yeast for a similar, cheesy taste.

Can I make basil pesto without a food processor?

Absolutely! You can use a mortar and pestle for a traditional approach, or finely chop all the ingredients by hand. It will take more time, but the results can be just as delicious.

What are some variations of basil pesto?

You can try using different nuts like walnuts or cashews, add other herbs like parsley, or even incorporate greens like spinach or kale. Get creative and make it your own!

Homemade Basil Pesto: A Cozy Beginner's Guide

Name: Homemade Basil Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 small garlic clove; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (more as needed); 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Different nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans); Sunflower seeds for nut-free version; Additional herbs (parsley, cilantro, arugula); Store-bought pesto or fresh spinach/kale instead of basil; Pre-toasted pine nuts or pre-made gourmet pesto for convenience

Description

This fresh basil pesto is packed with flavor, made with toasted pine nuts, garlic, lemon, and optional Parmesan. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, this homemade pesto is bright, herby, and irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients

Scale

Essentials:

1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (more as needed)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Add-Ons:

Different nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
Sunflower seeds for nut-free version
Additional herbs (parsley, cilantro, arugula)

Substitutions and Shortcuts:

Store-bought pesto or fresh spinach/kale instead of basil
Pre-toasted pine nuts or pre-made gourmet pesto for convenience

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Gather and prep all your ingredients before you start.
Blend Base Ingredients: In a food processor, pulse toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper until finely chopped.
Add Basil: Add fresh basil leaves and pulse again until combined but not fully smooth.
Drizzle in Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Add Parmesan: If using, pulse in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese just until incorporated.
Taste & Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, lemon, or garlic to suit your taste.
Serve or Store: Use immediately or store in a sealed jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top. Refrigerate for up to one week.

Notes

To freeze: Spoon pesto into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer cubes to a zip-top bag for later use.
Roasted garlic can be used for a milder flavor.
If pesto thickens in the fridge, stir in a bit of olive oil before using.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts)
Category: Condiment, Sauce
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 120
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: undefined
Trans Fat: undefined
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: undefined

Keywords: basil pesto, homemade pesto, Italian sauce, easy pesto recipe, fresh pesto, vegetarian pesto, nut-free pesto option