Description
This homemade Basil Pesto Sauce is fresh, flavorful, and easy to make! Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan, this classic Italian pesto is ready in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast them until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. (Note 1)
- In a food processor, blend the toasted pine nuts with the garlic until finely chopped.
- Add the grated parmesan, basil leaves, and about ⅓ of the olive oil. Pulse in short bursts until combined. (Note 2)
- Slowly add more olive oil, blending between additions, until the desired consistency is reached. (Note 3)
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. (Note 4)
Notes
- (Note 1) Toasting the pine nuts enhances their flavor but is optional.
- (Note 2) Pulsing in short bursts prevents the basil from overheating and turning bitter.
- (Note 3) For a thinner consistency, add more olive oil.
- (Note 4) Store in the fridge with a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg