Description
This Garlic-Free Basil Pesto is fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced. Made with sweet basil, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil, this easy homemade pesto comes together in just minutes. Without garlic, the basil flavor shines beautifully, making it perfect for pasta, toast, grilled vegetables, chicken, or fish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons warm water (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
- Add basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese to a food processor.
- Pulse several times until roughly chopped.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend until creamy and well combined.
- Add warm water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. You can substitute walnuts for pine nuts or use Pecorino instead of Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg