Simple Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe
This easy homemade basil pesto is fresh, vibrant, and ready in just 10 minutes! Made with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, it's the perfect sauce for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, grilled chicken, vegetables, and more.
Servings: 8
Calories: 210kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves. Peel the garlic cloves and grate the Parmesan cheese if needed.
- Add the basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the lemon juice and pulse a few more times. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, Parmesan, or lemon juice if desired.
- Transfer the pesto to a clean airtight jar. Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to keep it fresh and bright green. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Notes
- Use fresh, vibrant basil for the best flavor and color.
- Lightly toast the pine nuts for a richer, nuttier taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts and blends better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add olive oil slowly for the smoothest texture.
- Store with a thin layer of olive oil on top to reduce browning.
- Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for convenient portions.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Potassium: 120mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Vitamin A: 18% DV
- Vitamin C: 10% DV
- Calcium: 12% DV
- Iron: 6% DV