Presto Pesto

Whip up a burst of vibrant, herby flavor in just 10 minutes with this easy "Presto Pesto" recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests. This classic basil pesto combines fragrant fresh basil leaves, rich Parmesan cheese, and earthy toasted pine nuts, elevated with a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist. Blended with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, this versatile sauce boasts a silky texture and bold flavor that pairs beautifully with pasta, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. With no cooking time required, this quick and fresh basil pesto is a must-have recipe for your kitchen, offering endless possibilities for creative meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 45/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves
• 0.3333333333333333 cup Pine nuts
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Gather all ingredients and ensure the basil leaves are washed and dried thoroughly.

Step 2

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Step 3

In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture for a few seconds until it begins to break down and form a coarse paste.

Step 5

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 6

Add the salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to the pesto. Pulse a few more times to incorporate.

Step 7

Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more olive oil for a smoother texture, if desired.

Step 8

Transfer the pesto into a bowl or jar for immediate use or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(260.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1449.7

Total Fat 155.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.3g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 1272.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 10.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.4g	0%
Total Sugars 2.0g
Protein 24.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 512.2mg	0%
Iron 4.0mg	0%
Potassium 443.0mg	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: 91.0%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 2.8%