Description
This easy homemade pesto recipe is fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 5 minutes! Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, and more, it’s a simple no-cook condiment made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dry the basil leaves. Peel the garlic cloves.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped.
- Add Olive Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Season to Taste: Add salt, black pepper, and optional lemon juice. Blend briefly to combine.
- Adjust Consistency: If too thick, add a little more olive oil until the desired consistency is reached.
- Store or Serve: Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Nut-Free Pesto: Replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Different Greens: Swap basil for arugula, kale, or spinach for a unique twist.
- Spicy Pesto: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Citrus Boost: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a tangy variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiments & Sauces
- Method: blended
- Cuisine: italian
Keywords: homemade pesto, basil pesto, easy pesto recipe, fresh pesto, no-cook sauce