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    Home · Recipes · Condiments, Sauces, and Marinades · Basil Pesto Recipe

    July 3, 2017

    Basil Pesto Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    An easy recipe for a quick, homemade basil pesto sauce. But first, what is pesto and what is pesto made of? Questions answered.

    Basil pesto in a silver measuring cup. Off to the side is a white napkin with pine nuts and leaves of fresh basil.

    WHAT IS PESTO

    Pesto is a no-cook, flavorful sauce made of ground-up basil (or vegetables), nuts and cheese, which is then emulsified by an oil. It's used to coat pasta, to add flavor to proteins such as chicken and shrimp, and can also serve as a dip and/or spread for fresh bread and canapes.  Pesto comes in many different varieties.

    TYPES OF PESTO

    The type of pesto is mostly indicated by its greatest flavor component. The most well-known type of pesto is by far basil pesto, but there many other varieties such as sun-dried tomato, spinach, and even arugula.

    An overhead shot of Basil Pesto in a measuring cup. Whole pine nuts and fresh basil leaves are on placed on a white napkin to the side of the pesto.

    INGREDIENTS USED IN PESTO SAUCE

    Almost all of the ingredients used to make a pesto sauce are interchangeable.

    NUTS

    As for the nuts, pine nuts are the most common, however, they can be swapped out for other types of nuts such as walnuts or pecans, if desired.

    CHEESE

    The same goes with the cheeses: Parmesan, Pecorino Romano and Manchego are all considered firm cheeses and could be used in a pesto sauce, with parmesan being the most popular choice.

    OIL

    Oils are also interchangeable. For example, you could use extra virgin olive oil, walnut oil or even avocado oil. Just be certain your oil is of decent quality.

    A CLASSIC BASIL PESTO RECIPE

    Basil pesto is my go-to variety, as we always have a great deal growing in the garden as soon as the weather starts to warm up in Texas...which I guess is pretty much always.

    I keep it pretty classic with pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil, but remember, pestos can be extremely versatile. Don't be afraid to experiment and make the recipe your own.

    CUSTOMIZE YOUR PESTO SAUCE!

    Use this recipe as a base (if you'd like), keeping the same quantities the same. Then, take over, swapping out one ingredient for another; whether it be your favorite fresh greens, nuts, type of cheese or oil. Just have fun with it, and as always, enjoy!

    5 from 2 votes
    Print
    Basil Pesto Sauce
    Prep Time
    5 mins
    Total Time
    5 mins
     

    A simple recipe for homemade basil pesto made quick in the food processor!

    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Basil Pesto
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 164 kcal
    Author: Kelly Anthony
    Ingredients
    • 2 heaping cups fresh basil leaves
    • ¼ cup pine nuts
    • ¼ cup (about 1.5 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan
    • 2 cloves garlic chopped
    • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ⅓ cup high-quality Extra Virgin olive oil or avocado oil
    Instructions
    1. Add basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, vinegar, salt and pepper to a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. 

    2. Pulse until ingredients are well blended. Remove the feed tube insert, and with the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container for up to one week, or serve right away.  

    Recipe Notes

    If you'd like to freeze the pesto, transfer to a freezer safe zip-top bag, remove as much air as possible before sealing, seal tightly and place in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition Facts
    Basil Pesto Sauce
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 164 Calories from Fat 153
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 17g26%
    Saturated Fat 3g19%
    Cholesterol 4mg1%
    Sodium 258mg11%
    Potassium 34mg1%
    Carbohydrates 1g0%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 1g1%
    Protein 2g4%
    Vitamin A 36IU1%
    Vitamin C 1mg1%
    Calcium 48mg5%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

     

    Try serving with:

    Perfectly Cooked Chicken Breasts, Easy Roasted Shrimp

    Pinterest image of Easy Basil Pesto with Pine Nuts.

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    I’m Kelly Anthony — a baker, home chef, and mom with a passion for food and an adoration for entertaining.

    Comfort food is my specialty, and it is truly my pleasure to share these recipes with you. If you’d like to get to know me a little better, click here.

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