Basil Pesto Recipe

Experience the vibrant taste of homemade basil pesto. Brimming with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan, this Healthy Basil Pesto Recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors. Perfect for pasta or sandwiches, this Simple Basil Pesto Recipe invites you to savor authentic Italian inspiration in every delicious bite.

I love making homemade Basil Pesto because it’s so simple and tastes way better than any storebought version. My version uses 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup of pine nuts, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil making it a balanced mix of healthy fats and fresh nutrients.

It’s a fantastic recipe that gives you a burst of flavor and a great nutritional boost with vitamins and antioxidants from basil and garlic. The pine nuts add protein and a bit of healthy fat while Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth.

A small squeeze of lemon juice can give it a bit of extra zing. This Easy Basil Pesto recipe is perfect for dinner or on sandwiches and is a popular choice among my followers when they’re looking for a simple yet delicious herb recipe to brighten up their meals.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this basil pesto recipe because it’s incredibly simple to make. I mean, seriously, who has the time for fancy, complicated recipes? The steps are easy to follow and I can whip it up pretty fast when I need a quick meal.

I also enjoy how fresh the flavors are. Using real basil, garlic, and Parmesan gives it this amazing taste that you just can’t get from storebought ones. It feels like I’m actually cooking something homemade and special.

Another reason is that I can customize it just the way I like it. Adding a bit of lemon juice for extra zing or tweaking the salt and pepper means it always ends up tasting perfect to me. The texture is awesome too there’s still a little bite in it which makes it more fun to eat.

Plus, it’s super versatile. I love spreading it on sandwiches or tossing it with pasta, so no matter what I’m in the mood for, this recipe always comes through.

Ingredients

• Basil: Fresh leaves bursting with vitamins and fibre that bring out a unique earthy flavor.
• Garlic: Strong cloves that add a bold punch and are good for heart health.
• Pine Nuts: Tiny, protein rich kernels with healthy fats and a slight natural sweetness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, cheesy goodness that adds protein, calcium and a deep savory taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats it binds all the flavors together.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
• 2 garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for extra zing)

How to Make this

1. Place 2 cups of packed fresh basil leaves, 2 roughly chopped garlic cloves, 1/2 cup pine nuts, and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor.

2. Start processing the ingredients until they are coarsely chopped.

3. Continue processing while slowly drizzling in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil so that the mixture blends evenly without turning completely smooth.

4. Stop the processor and scrape down the sides if needed to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.

5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and if using, mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for a little extra zing.

6. Give the mixture one final blend until everything is just combined, but still has some texture.

7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs more salt or pepper.

8. Transfer the pesto into a serving bowl if you plan to use it right away or a jar if you want to store it.

9. If you are storing it, cover tightly and keep it in the fridge so it stays fresh.

10. Enjoy your homemade basil pesto on pasta, in sandwiches, or any way you like.

Equipment Needed

1. Food processor – you need this to blend all ingredients evenly while still keeping some texture
2. Knife – to roughly chop the garlic cloves if they’re not prepped already
3. Measuring cups – to measure out the basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, and other ingredients accurately
4. Cheese grater – for freshly grating the Parmesan cheese right before adding it into the mix
5. Spatula or scraper – to scrape down the sides of the food processor during blending so everything mixes well
6. Measuring spoons – for the salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice to get the right flavor balance
7. Serving bowl or jar – a bowl if you’re serving immediately, or a jar if your plan is to store it in the fridge

FAQ

Basil Pesto Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of fresh basil leaves you could try using a mix of spinach and arugula, which gives a nice twist though the flavor wont be exactly the same
• If you dont have pine nuts, walnuts or almonds are a good substitute and they still give that crunch in your pesto
• For Parmesan cheese, pecorino Romano is a solid alternative since its similar in texture and sharpness, though you might want to adjust the salt a bit
• Extra virgin olive oil could be swapped with avocado oil if you’re looking for a different, but smoother flavor

Pro Tips

1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for a couple minutes until they get a nice light brown color. It really brings out their flavor but keep an eye on them cause they can burn pretty fast.
2. When you’re blending, add the olive oil really slowly to help create a thicker texture instead of a runny sauce. It makes a big difference in the final result.
3. Always taste and adjust the seasonings at the end. Sometimes after blending you might need to add a bit more salt, pepper or even extra lemon juice to get just the right balance.
4. If you’re planning on storing the pesto, try pouring a little extra olive oil over the top before sealing. This can help keep it green and fresh a bit longer.