Basil Pesto Recipe

Basil pesto is easy to make and versatile. Every chef needs this basil pesto recipe in his or her arsenal for topping pasta, chicken, fish and even pizza! It also makes a delicious dip for breads, cheese and vegetables.

Basil Pesto Recipe

What is pesto sauce used for?

After taking five minutes to make the basil pesto, it can be served with beef, chicken, fish, or added to any dish that needs a flavor boost. There are very few foods that don’t go well with pesto!

Is basil pesto bad for you?

The olive oil and pine nuts in pesto have a higher calorie and fat content, but the fats are monounsaturated and considered healthy.

Additionally, pine nuts are heart-healthy, nutrient rich and contain important antioxidants. Olive oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic and fresh basil are naturally healthy ingredients, so when enjoyed in moderation, pesto as a whole, has health benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Great ways to use pesto:

1. Pesto is delicious as a base for pizza.
2. Instead of using traditional marinara sauce for dipping Pizza Roll Ups, make them more unique by serving them with a side of homemade pesto.
3. Basil pesto is also a great base for homemade salad dressing! Thin the pesto with some olive oil and enjoy it over your favorite salad or vegetables. Pesto salad dressing would make delicious and unique twist on a Greek salad.

Follow 30 Minutes Meals on Pinterest for more great recipes!

How do I make basil pesto?

This pesto recipe is made entirely in a food processor, in about 5 minutes of time. Making pesto at home is so easy, you will never want to buy it premade again.

1. Start by adding the basil, garlic cloves and pine nuts to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse several times to mince them.
2. As the food processor is running, gradually add the olive oil and allow it to process until it emulsifies, achieving a smooth texture.
3. Add the parmesan cheese and pulse a few time to ensure it is fully incorporated.

Can you freeze fresh basil pesto?

Pesto freezes very well and since you will only use a small amount each time, freeze anything that is left over. If it will be used quickly, it can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

However, to keep it for a longer period of time, freeze it.

To freeze pesto, pack it into ice cube trays then transfer the frozen cubes to an airtight container. You’ve instantly made single serving sizes of pesto! It can also be stored in any freezer safe jar or plastic container. Basil pesto can remain frozen for nine to twelve months.

I hope you enjoy the basil pesto. Don’t forget to Pin this recipe!

5 from 9 votes

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Basil Pesto

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

 

This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of fresh basil pesto. This flavorful condiment goes well with beef, poultry and seafood. It makes a wonderful salad dressing, or serve it as a dip with raw vegetables and crackers.

Course: Condiments, Sauces

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: basil pesto, homemade condiments, ways to use fresh basil

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 876 kcal

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh basil leaves stems removed
• 1/2 cup pine nuts toasted for extra flavor
• 3-5 cloves garlic
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Add the basil leaves, garlic cloves and pine nuts to a food process. Process until the ingredients are finely minced.
2. With the food processor on low, gradually add in the olive oil and process until smooth.
3. Add the grated parmesan cheese, and process by pulsating a few times, until just combined.

4. Scoop from the food processor and serve as a dip, on mozzarella cheese or on pasta.

Nutrition Facts

Basil Pesto

Amount Per Serving

Calories 876 Calories from Fat 918

% Daily Value*

Fat 102g157%

Saturated Fat 16g100%

Cholesterol 22mg7%

Sodium 386mg17%

Potassium 310mg9%

Carbohydrates 6g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 14g28%

Vitamin A 2750IU55%

Vitamin C 10.1mg12%

Calcium 370mg37%

Iron 3.3mg18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.