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Basil pesto in a white bowl.

Basil Pesto

Classic Basil Pesto made from Fresh Basil, Parmesan, Garlic, Pine nuts and Olive Oil. A perfect base for pizza, pasta, bruschetta, or anything else you can dream up! Delicious, fresh and simple!
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time:10 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: basil pesto, green pizza sauce, italian pesto, no bake, pasta sauce, pizza sauce, quick and easy, quick flavorful sauce, green sauce, not spicy salsa, mild cilantro, easy, chimichurri
Servings: 8
Calories: 176kcal
Author: Mollie

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor, Vitamix, Immersion blender OR mortar and pestle

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 2 Garlic Cloves
  • ¼ Cup Pine Nuts You may substitute walnuts if you'd like
  • ½ Cup Olive Oil
  • ½ Cup Freshly grated Parmesan
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Add the Fresh Basil leaves, Pine Nuts and Garlic cloves to the food processor and process for about 10 seconds until ingredients are all coarsely chopped.
  • Slowly drizzle the olive oil in while the food processor is running. Stop food processor when all the olive is gone.
  • Add Grated Parmesan cheese and process for about 3 seconds until cheese is incorporated.
  • Taste and add salt if you prefer it a little saltier.
  • Scoop into a mason jar or bowl and seal and refrigerate until you are ready to use it!

Notes

Notes

 
  • A Food Processor is the easiest way to make this, but if you don't have one, you can use a powerful blender, an immersion blender, or a mortar and pestle.
  • You may substitute the Pine Nuts for Walnuts if you'd like.
  • Use a fresh Olive Oil. It doesn't have to be expensive, but Olive Oil can get stale if it too old. So, taste it before you use it!
  • Make sure you use a freshly grated parmesan. You can buy a small chunk in the (nice) cheese section of your grocery store. Don't use the Green Can Parm! ????
  • If you don't think you will use all the Pesto within a few weeks, you can put it in an ice cube tray and freeze until you are ready to use! 
  • Enjoy! ♥️

Nutrition

Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 372IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg