Description
This homemade Basil Pesto recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip. Learn how to make this classic Italian sauce in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pesto:
- 4 ounces pine nuts
- 4 cups fresh basil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup coarsely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup olive oil
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast Pine Nuts: Add the pine nuts to a small skillet over medium heat and toast until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- Prepare Pesto: In the bowl of a food processor, combine 1/2 the pine nuts, 3 cups basil, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup cheese, and lemon zest. Process for about 30 seconds until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup olive oil while processing.
- Finish Pesto: Add remaining pine nuts, basil, garlic, and cheese to the bowl. Pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl, stir in remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Store: Keep the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- To prevent oxidation, top the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil before refrigerating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 0.3g
- Sodium: 159mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2.4g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Protein: 2.7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
