Quick Simple Pesto Classic Pesto Recipe Sauce
Get ready to elevate your meals in just 10 minutes with this *Quick Simple Pesto Classic Pesto Recipe Sauce*, a timeless blend of fresh, vibrant flavors. Made with fragrant basil leaves, nutty Parmesan cheese, buttery pine nuts, and a hint of garlic, this no-cook sauce is effortlessly emulsified with extra-virgin olive oil for a velvety texture. A touch of lemon juice adds optional brightness, making it versatile enough to pair with everything from pasta and sandwiches to roasted veggies and breads. With just a handful of ingredients and a food processor, you’ll have a homemade pesto bursting with classic Italian flavor that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Store it in the fridge or freezer for a go-to sauce that’s always fresh and ready to use!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups (lightly packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 0.33 cup Pine nuts
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Directions
Step 1
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
Step 2
Pulse the ingredients a few times until they are coarsely chopped and combined.
Step 3
While the food processor or blender is running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Step 4
Add salt, ground black pepper, and lemon juice (if using) to the mixture. Pulse a few more times to combine.
Step 5
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or lemon juice for tang.
Step 6
Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or bowl and cover tightly if not using immediately. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Step 7
Serve over cooked pasta, as a spread for sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables and bread.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (329.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1877.6 |
| Total Fat 183.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 39.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 15.2g | |
| Cholesterol 94.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2986.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 13.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 3.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.6g | |
| Protein 53.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1381.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 560.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories