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!
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!
Notes
Almost any mild flavored, raw nut will work in this recipe. I use pecans most often but walnuts, pine nuts, and sunflower seeds also work well.I have also used an immersion blender to blend pesto and it works fine.The consistency of pesto can be altered in a pasta dish by using pasta water.I like to use pesto sparingly, so I would serve only half of this recipe over 1 pound of pasta. Experiment to see what taste you prefer!