Classic Basil Pesto

Brighten your meals with the bold, herbal flavors of Classic Basil Pesto, a quick and versatile sauce that's ready in just 10 minutes! This traditional Italian recipe combines the vibrant aroma of fresh basil leaves, the nutty richness of toasted pine nuts, and the savory depth of Parmesan cheese, all harmonized by fragrant garlic and a splash of zesty lemon juice. Extra virgin olive oil brings it all together into a silky, spoonable texture, perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on warm crusty bread, or drizzling over grilled vegetables. Customizable with a pinch of salt and pepper, this homemade pesto delivers unmatched freshness and flavor compared to store-bought options. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a simple weeknight meal, this basil pesto will elevate any dish it touches.

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 0.333 cup Pine nuts
• 2 large Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

In a dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat. Stir frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Allow them to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts and peeled garlic cloves. Pulse a few times until they are finely chopped.

Step 4

Add the basil leaves to the mixture and pulse again until the basil is finely chopped.

Step 5

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the processor and pulse briefly to incorporate the ingredients.

Step 6

With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended. You may have to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even texture.

Step 7

Add the lemon juice and pulse a few more times to blend it into the pesto.

Step 8

Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 9

Transfer the pesto to an airtight container or jar. If not using immediately, cover the top with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(277.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1494.5

Total Fat 157.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.3g
Cholesterol 44.5mg	0%
Sodium 1504.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 14.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.5g	0%
Total Sugars 2.0g
Protein 24.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 528.2mg	0%
Iron 4.1mg	0%
Potassium 467.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 90.1%

Protein: 6.2%

Carbs: 3.7%