Full of bold herby freshness, this basil pesto recipe is a real delight! Oh-so simple and a handy ingredient to have around - this pesto sauce can be added to pasta dishes or spread on crusty bread. No matter how you serve it, its vibrant green color and delicious flavor are just the best!
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What Is Pesto?
If you have never tried pesto sauce, you are likely wondering what is pesto. Pesto actually has a long history, with various forms of the sauce dating back to Roman times! But basil pesto sauce as we know it today is a classic Italian dish. Originating in Genoa in the Liguria region of Italy - pesto typically consists of basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheese.
It's this combination of ingredients that create such a yummy sauce - packed with flavor that adds a delicious richness to all kinds of dishes.
But, I have to tell you. I have only ever made my basil pesto recipe using pine nuts once! I know it's not traditional, but I like to use up what I already have in my kitchen. Any mild-tasting nut will work perfectly in this pesto sauce recipe. Pecans are my usual nut of choice as I cook with them quite a lot - but walnuts and even sunflower seeds work fine!
Once you blend all the ingredients together, you won't even notice the difference - trust me! The aroma of freshly chopped basil and garlic is just divine! And then there's that heavenly combination of flavors, the herby-ness of basil, a hint of nuttiness from the nuts, and saltiness from the parmesan cheese. It's just so good!
Why You'll Love Pesto Sauce
- So versatile. Pesto sauce is so easy to make, and you can use it in various ways. Be sure to read until the end, where I share my favorite ways to serve this basil pesto recipe!
- Ideal for using up fresh herbs. Growing your own herbs is so satisfying, but what do you do when you have a surplus of basil? Make pesto sauce! This is the perfect dish for using up your garden herbs or if you've picked up too many at the farmer's market.
- Great meal prep! You can freeze pesto sauce for up to 6 months - meaning you will always have a delicious sauce on hand for quick and easy meal ideas.
Ingredients For My Pesto Sauce Recipe
- Fresh basil
- Garlic
- Nuts
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
Instructions For Pesto Sauce
- In a food processor (see note), combine basil, nuts, and parmesan.
- Blend until smooth.
- Gradually add oil, pulsing and checking consistency frequently. It should be about the consistency of a smoothie. Don’t add it all at once, you may not need it all.
- Add salt to taste – I usually add a little less than I normally would and then make the final seasoning alterations when it is combined in whatever I’m serving it with (pasta, sauce, etc).
- Serve a few tablespoons over warm pasta (see note) or freeze in ice cube trays for later use. It also makes a great addition to sandwich spreads, creamy sauces, or bread!
Once you have made your basil pesto sauce, it's important to store it correctly. The best way to keep the flavor fresh is to store the sauce in an airtight container. Then place it in the fridge, which should last for up to a week.
I love having a supply of pesto sauce in my freezer! I freeze my homemade pesto in ice cube trays - then, when I am ready to use it, I can easily pop out a cube. This basil pesto recipe is good in the freezer for up to 6 months.
I tend to use my food processor to make this pesto sauce. It's simple, quick, and easy to use. All you need to do is place all the ingredients in the food processor bowl - then pulse until everything is combined.
You can also use an immersion blender. I have done this in the past, and it worked fine.
No, I wouldn't recommend using dried basil for this recipe. The flavor won't be as fresh, and the texture won't be right, either. Fresh basil is essential for making delicious pesto sauce!
What different ways can you serve pesto sauce?
Now you know the answer to 'what is pesto?' - you might be wondering how to serve this delicious sauce.
- Mix in with some plain pasta for a super simple midweek meal.
- You can even use it as a spread in sandwiches!
- This pesto sauce recipe is also great as a dip with crostini or
- drizzled over roasted potatoes.
- You can also dollop some pesto sauce on pizza,
- add to soups and
- mix it into homemade bread dough!
No matter how you choose to serve it, this basil pesto recipe will always be a winner.
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Homemade Pesto – Classic Basil Pesto
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed into the cup)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup nuts (see note)
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ⅓ cup olive oil (or enough to bring pesto to desired consistency)
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor (see note), combine basil, nuts, and parmesan.
- Blend until smooth.
- Gradually add oil, pulsing and checking consistency frequently. It should be about the consistency of a smoothie. Don't add it all at once, you may not need it all.
- Add salt to taste - I usually add a little less than I normally would and then make the final seasoning alterations when it is combined in whatever I'm serving it with (pasta, sauce, etc).
- Serve a few tablespoons over warm pasta (see note) or freeze in ice cube trays for later use. It also makes a great addition to sandwich spreads, creamy sauces, or bread!
Alli
Such a fast and easy pesto recipe!