Name: Homemade Basil Pesto: Fresh & Easy!
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves (loosely packed); 3 cloves garlic; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

The secret to a truly outstanding basil pesto lies in the quality of your ingredients and a quick blend to preserve freshness. This basil pesto recipe takes mere minutes to prepare, transforming simple pantry staples into a bright, aromatic sauce. Making basil pesto at home allows you to control the texture and intensity of flavor, far surpassing any store-bought version. I remember the first time I realized how easy it was—I’d been intimidated by making pesto from scratch, but once I tried it, I never looked back. It’s a real upgrade for quick, flavorful meals.

⏱ Time: 10 min

👥 Servings: 4-6

📊 Level: Easy

🥗 6 ingredients

Homemade Basil Pesto: Fresh & Easy!

Basil pesto: whip up this fresh and bright homemade sauce in minutes. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a flavorful dip. So simple, so delicious!

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings: 6

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil leaves (loosely packed)
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Method

Loosely pack 2 cups of fresh basil leaves into a measuring cup and place them into a food processor or blender.
Add 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, and 1/4 cup pine nuts to the food processor.
Blend the ingredients on high speed for 30-60 seconds until fairly smooth, or to your desired consistency.
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Notes

– To prevent your basil pesto from oxidizing and turning brown, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top before storing.
– For a creamier pesto, you can add a tablespoon of softened cream cheese or ricotta. This also mellows the garlic slightly.
– If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, blanch the garlic cloves for 30 seconds in boiling water before adding them to the food processor.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

To prevent your basil pesto from oxidizing and turning brown, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top before storing.
For a creamier pesto, you can add a tablespoon of softened cream cheese or ricotta. This also mellows the garlic slightly.
If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, blanch the garlic cloves for 30 seconds in boiling water before adding them to the food processor.

This homemade basil pesto is a versatile sauce that will improve any dish. Try it on pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dip. Enjoy the fresh, bright, fresh flavor!