How To Make Pesto

How To Make Pesto

1 1/2 cups
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!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups lightly-packed fresh basil leaves

    3 ounces

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

    2 ounces

  • 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts

    1.75 ounces

  • 3 small cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt*
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

  1. 1

    In a food processor or blender, pulse the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, salt and pepper together until finely-chopped.

  2. 2

    With the food processor or blender still running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until it is completely combined. Pause the food processor or blender and scrape down the sides, then pulse again until the mixture is smooth. If you prefer a thinner pesto, add in more oil.

  3. 3

    Serve immediately. Or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

How To Make Pesto

How To Make Pesto

5 min1 1/2 cups

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About this Recipe

Ready to elevate your meals with a burst of fresh flavor? This classic basil pesto recipe brings vibrant taste to your kitchen in just minutes, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.

What makes this pesto recipe a standout is its simplicity and reliance on truly fresh ingredients. By combining fragrant basil, rich Parmesan, and perfectly toasted pine nuts with aromatic garlic and quality olive oil, you create a balanced, deeply flavorful sauce. It's an effortless process using just a blender or food processor, ensuring a consistent, delicious result every time.

You're about to experience the pure, unadulterated taste of homemade pesto. Expect a wonderfully aromatic sauce with a bright green hue, a testament to the fresh basil. The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of sweet, peppery basil, savory Parmesan, and a subtle nuttiness from the pine nuts, all rounded out by the pungent kick of fresh garlic and the fruity notes of extra-virgin olive oil. Its texture will be rich and emulsified, perfect for clinging to pasta or spreading on sandwiches. Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, delivering restaurant-quality taste in mere minutes.

While this recipe offers a perfect classic pesto, its versatility extends beyond just the ingredients. Once made, you'll find this fresh basil pesto is a fantastic base for countless dishes. Swirl it into hot pasta, spread it on bruschetta, dollop it onto grilled chicken or fish, or even use it to dress a vibrant salad. It's a foundational sauce that truly shines, adapting to many culinary applications.

This homemade pesto is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. It pairs beautifully with pasta, providing a rich, herbaceous coating. Consider serving it with a simple side salad and crusty bread to fully savor its fresh, authentic flavors.

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