Basic Pesto

Basic Pesto

Pesto is a mouthful of bright summer — basil made more so. You can buy it in a jar or in the refrigerator section of your grocery store, but there is nothing better than making it yourself. Fresh basil can be found in abundance at farmers’ markets in the summer. Just clean, take the stems off and throw the leaves in a food processor with nuts and garlic. Dribble in the oil and you’ve got a versatile sauce for pasta, chicken or fish.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves

    no stems

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts
  • 2 large cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. 1

    Combine basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts and garlic in a food processor and process until very finely minced.

  2. 2

    With the machine running slowly dribble in the oil and process until the mixture is smooth.

  3. 3

    Add the cheese and process very briefly, just long enough to combine. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Basic Pesto

Basic Pesto

5.0(9.7k)

Similar Recipes

How To Make Pesto

How To Make Pesto

Learn how to make pesto with this classic fresh basil pesto recipe.  It's easy to make in the blender or food processor with just 5 main ingredients, and so fresh and delicious!

5 minutes1 1/2 cups
Basic Pesto

Basic Pesto

It's so easy (and worth it!) to make pesto at home. Our ultimate pesto recipe will transform everything you add it to, from pasta, potatoes, eggs, and more!

10 minutes1493 kcal
Fresh Basil Pesto

Fresh Basil Pesto

Homemade pesto is one of the best ways to enjoy a bounty of fresh basil. It's great on pasta, baked potatoes, pizza, or bread. Make it in just 15 minutes!

15 minutes16 servings
The Best Basic Pesto

The Best Basic Pesto

Homemade pesto is easy to make and so much better than store-bought—perfect for pasta, sandwiches, soups, or the freezer.

15 minutes2.25 servings159 kcal
Quick Pizza Dough

Quick Pizza Dough

The trouble with most homemade pizza dough recipes is that they’re sort of a pain. You have to plan ahead. Knead the dough. Let it rise. Clean up after it. This might be the pizza dough recipe that finally persuades you it’s worth the effort — what little effort is required. With the help of two allies in the kitchen — your food processor and your freezer — now homemade pizza dough is nearly as simple as taking a chicken breast out of the freezer to thaw on your way out the door in the morning.

500 kcal
Easy Pesto Ricotta Pasta

Easy Pesto Ricotta Pasta

I love this easy pesto ricotta pasta! You can have a delicious meal ready in under 15 minutes with simple, fresh, and easy-to-find ingredients.

15 minutes8 servings
Basil Pesto Recipe

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.

10 minutes8 servings205 kcal
Easy Pesto Pasta

Easy Pesto Pasta

25 minutes2 servings

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 9,735 ratings

cooking.nytimes.com
5.0(9,735 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Tired of store-bought pesto that lacks that vibrant, fresh punch? Making your own Basic Pesto at home is surprisingly simple and delivers an unparalleled burst of summer flavor that jars simply can't match. This versatile sauce elevates everything from simple pasta to grilled chicken and fish.

Why This Homemade Pesto Works

The secret to truly exceptional pesto lies in fresh ingredients and the ease of your food processor. By combining abundant fresh basil leaves, fragrant garlic, and your choice of pine nuts or walnuts, you create a bright, herbaceous foundation. Dribbling in rich extra-virgin olive oil binds it all together, ensuring a smooth, emulsified sauce with minimal effort.

What truly sets homemade pesto apart is the intensity of flavor. You'll experience the sweet, peppery notes of fresh basil amplified by aromatic garlic and the creamy, salty bite of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This pesto promises a luscious texture and a taste that screams garden-fresh, far superior to any pre-made option. It's a quick, rewarding project that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Customization & Variations

This basic pesto recipe is wonderfully adaptable. While pine nuts offer a classic taste, you can easily use walnuts for a slightly earthier flavor profile, as both are listed options. For a different texture, you could toast your chosen nuts lightly before processing to enhance their depth. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, allowing the high-quality ingredients to shine.

Serving & Context

This pesto is a dream for countless dishes. Toss it with your favorite pasta for a quick weeknight meal, spread it on toasted bread for a delightful appetizer, or use it as a vibrant topping for grilled chicken or flaky fish. It's a perfect companion to light summer meals or as a flavorful addition to your everyday cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions