Description
This Basil Pesto with Parmesan is a fresh, vibrant, and aromatic homemade sauce made with sweet basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, and rich extra virgin olive oil. It comes together in minutes and delivers bold Mediterranean flavor in every spoonful. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, or as a flavorful dip, this easy pesto recipe is simple, authentic, and full of comforting homemade taste.
Ingredients
- 2 packed cups fresh basil leaves (about 60g), washed and dried
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (50g), lightly toasted
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (120ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the basil leaves gently and dry them completely to prevent excess moisture.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden, then let them cool.
- Add the pine nuts and garlic cloves to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
- Add the basil leaves and pulse again until broken down.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil while blending until the mixture becomes smooth but slightly textured.
- Add the grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper, then pulse briefly to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top.
Notes
For best flavor, always use freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Store pesto in the refrigerator for up to 5 days with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months for easy portioning. You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pine nuts if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg