Basil Pesto Recipe

Basil Pesto Recipe

8 servings
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

  • fresh basil leaves

    tightly packed*

    2 c
  • shredded parmesan cheese
    ¾ c
  • extra virgin olive oil
    ½ c
  • pine nuts

    *

    ½ c
  • garlic cloves)

    (large

    2
  • lemon juice)

    (juice of 2 small lemons

    ¼ c
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • black pepper
    ¼ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Wash and dry the basil leaves - you can use a salad spinner to make this step easier.

  2. 2

    Place basil into a food processor. Add parmesan cheese, nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.

  3. 3

    Season with more salt to taste if desired.

Basil Pesto Recipe

Basil Pesto Recipe

4.9(214)10 min8 servings205 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 214 ratings

natashaskitchen.com
4.9(214 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Tired of lackluster store-bought pesto? This easy homemade Basil Pesto recipe delivers a vibrant, fresh flavor that's leagues beyond anything from a jar. In just 10 minutes, you can create a versatile sauce that transforms simple meals into something truly special.

Why This Homemade Pesto Works Wonders

The secret to this outstanding basil pesto is its reliance on simple, high-quality ingredients working in perfect harmony. Fresh basil, sharp Parmesan, nutty pine nuts, pungent garlic, and bright lemon juice come together with rich extra virgin olive oil to create a balanced, aromatic condiment. You'll find the flavor profile is far more nuanced and alive than processed versions, making it a staple for any home cook.

What to Expect from Your Basil Pesto

Prepare for a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor with every spoonful. This pesto boasts a beautiful vibrant green color and a rich, emulsified texture that clings perfectly to pasta or spreads smoothly on bread. It's an aromatic experience, marrying the sweet scent of basil with the savory notes of cheese and garlic, brightened by a zesty lemon finish. Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple, yielding 8 generous servings of pure flavor.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe is perfect as written, you can easily adjust it to your taste. For a looser pesto, simply add a touch more extra virgin olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. Feel free to tweak the amount of salt, black pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference, tasting as you go. This versatile pesto is fantastic with pasta, but also shines when spread on sandwiches, dolloped over grilled chicken, or tossed with roasted vegetables.

Serving & Context

This Basil Pesto is the ultimate flavor booster for quick weeknight dinners or casual weekend lunches. Serve it generously tossed with your favorite pasta, slathered onto a baguette for an appetizer, or as a vibrant topping for chicken or fish.

Frequently Asked Questions