Description
A classic Italian sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the basil leaves and pine nuts into a food processor and pulse several times.
- Add the garlic and Parmesan cheese and pulse several more times.
- While the food processor is running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture is well blended.
- Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a rubber spatula and blend again if necessary.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seeds or omit the nuts entirely.
- Pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays for easy use later.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg