Description
This Lemon Basil Pesto is bright, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Made with fragrant basil, fresh lemon zest, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil, this easy homemade pesto comes together in minutes. Perfect for pasta, grilled vegetables, chicken, seafood, or spreading on warm bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden. Let them cool.
- Add basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth and creamy.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and pulse briefly to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or store properly.
Notes
Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Add 1–2 tablespoons of warm pasta water to thin the pesto for pasta dishes. Store in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it fresh and green. Freeze in small portions for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg