Easy Basil Pesto

This simple basil pesto recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of fresh ingredients, a blender, and you’ve got a vibrant, flavourful pesto that works wonders in pastas, sandwiches, or even as a dipping sauce.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword basil, basil pesto, easy, pesto

Prep Time 5

Blending 5

Total Time 10

Servings serves

Calories 76kcal

Author Makyla Baines

Ingredients

3/4 cup parmesan grated
1/2 cup pine nuts or desired nuts
2 cloves garlic
2 cups basil leaves firmly packed
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin

Instructions

Wash and dry the basil well. Use a tea towel to lightly press on the basil leaves to remove as much excess moisture as possible.
Add the parmesan, garlic, and pine nuts (or your choice of nuts) to the blender. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are finely chopped and combined.
Add the basil leaves, lemon juice, and salt. Pulse again until everything is blended but still slightly chunky.
With the blender running on low, slowly stream in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You can add more olive oil if you like a thinner pesto.
Taste the pesto and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if needed. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend for a few more seconds.
Transfer the pesto to a jar or container. Serve immediately or store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Nutrition