Easy Basil Pesto
Whip up a batch of vibrant, homemade flavor in just 10 minutes with this Easy Basil Pesto recipe! Packed with the fresh, aromatic notes of basil, creamy Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and a hint of garlic, this classic Italian sauce is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. The extra-virgin olive oil gives it a luxuriously smooth texture, while a touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances every bite. With just seven simple ingredients and no cooking required, this quick and versatile pesto is a must-have in your kitchen repertoire. Make it fresh and enjoy the bold, herbaceous taste that transforms any dish into a culinary masterpiece!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cups Pine nuts
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper, freshly ground
Directions
Step 1
Rinse and pat dry the fresh basil leaves to remove any dirt or grit.
Step 2
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Step 3
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves.
Step 4
Pulse the mixture a few times until it starts to break down into a coarse texture.
Step 5
With the food processor running on low speed, gradually drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 6
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then pulse one last time to incorporate the seasoning.
Step 7
Scrape the pesto into a bowl or jar. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 8
Use immediately with your favorite pasta or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (234.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1460.0 |
| Total Fat 154.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 26.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g | |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1864.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 8.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.2g | |
| Protein 22.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 509.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 360.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories