Description
Homemade basil pesto is a versatile and easy to make sauce that tastes so much better than store bought! It’s creamy, bursting with fresh flavors, and ready in less than 5 minutes. Perfect for everything from Pesto Pasta to your favorite grilled chicken or veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 packed cups fresh basil, from a 3-ounce box*
- 1/3 cup pine nuts*
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese*
- 1 large clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 cup olive oil
*See notes for substitution options
Instructions
- Add basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Process until finely chopped, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add olive oil. With the motor running slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and emulsified.
- Season and store. Season to taste with more salt if needed and use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
To make a vegan and dairy free version of this pesto all you need to do is swap the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast, or simply leave it out. About 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast is the perfect amount to add a slightly cheesy, nutty flavor.
For a nut free version use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
To make in a blender add all the ingredients to the blender container (including olive oil) and process until mostly smooth, using a tamper if you have one to get everything moving. Otherwise you can stop to scrape down the sides with a spoon.
To store in the refrigerator: This pesto will keep in the refrigerator for up to up to one week. To keep it from oxidizing (turning brown) and keep it tasting fresh longer, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top to prevent it from coming in contact with air.
To freeze: Pesto freezes so well! This makes it the perfect sauce to make extra of and stash in the freezer for a rainy day. I like to freeze it in ice cube trays or in Souper Cubes for easy portioning.
- Prep Time: 5 miniutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Food processor
- Cuisine: Italian