Basil pesto is incredibly versatile — perfect as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, dip, or a quick way to brighten grilled meats and vegetables. Homemade pesto has a freshness you can’t beat, and this simple recipe is fast enough for even the laziest cook. All you need is a food processor or high-quality blender and a few staple ingredients.
Freeze it in an ice cube tray for easy individual servings.
The Best Homemade Basil Pesto (Easy Recipe!)
A flavorful sauce for pasta, sandwiches, dips and more. This easy pesto uses fresh basil, nuts, garlic and parmesan blended with olive oil for a vibrant, bright condiment you’ll reach for again and again.
Keyword: basil, easy, homemade, pesto, sauce
Servings: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
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In a high-quality blender or food processor, combine the basil, parmesan, pine nuts and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is roughly chopped.
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With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until it emulsifies and the pesto becomes smooth. You may need to scrape down the bowl a time or two.
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Season with salt and pepper, then blend for another 5–10 seconds to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Transfer to a jar, cover with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve color, and refrigerate for up to one week. Enjoy on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Notes
- Freeze portions you won’t use within a week in a greased or lined ice cube tray. Once frozen, store cubes in a freezer bag so you can thaw single servings as needed.
- Swap pine nuts for walnuts, almonds or cashews for a different flavor and lower cost.
- To make a vegan pesto, replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit the cheese entirely.
Ways to use pesto beyond pasta
- Spread on sandwiches, flatbreads, or mix into mayonnaise for a flavorful spread
- Serve as an appetizer with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables
- Stir into salad dressings or mix with yogurt for a tangy dip
- Toss with roasted vegetables instead of butter or oil
- Top grilled chicken, steak, or roasted potatoes
- Use as a pizza base or a finishing sauce for soups
- Mix into hummus or sour cream for a quick party dip
Cheesy Pesto Baked ChickenONE PAN oven-baked chicken made with cream cheese, pesto and mozzarella. Quick, easy and family-friendly.
