Description
This Classic Basil Pesto is a fresh, vibrant Mediterranean sauce made with fragrant basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and aged Parmesan cheese. Ready in minutes, this homemade pesto delivers bold flavor and silky texture, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, grilled vegetables, or as a dip. Simple ingredients create an unforgettable taste that feels both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Add basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and garlic to a food processor.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- Slowly pour in olive oil while blending on low speed.
- Add Parmesan, Pecorino, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Blend until smooth but slightly textured.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results. Store pesto in an airtight jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. Freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage. Substitute walnuts if pine nuts are unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg