Easy Basil Pesto
Use this classic easy basil pesto recipe in appetizers, toppings and many of our recipes incorporating pesto.
A perfect way to use up your summer garden basil.
Process garlic, basil, oil, walnuts or pine nuts, Parmesan cheese in a processor and voila. Pesto in 5 minutes. Check out a few of our recipes below that use pesto. One of our most popular recipes is Pesto and Vegetable Orzo.
Make Ahead
- Pesto lasts 5-7 days in the fridge.
- I freeze it in ziploc bags in 1/4 cup portions to use whenever I need pesto. Lasts 3-4 months in the freezer.
Shortcuts
- Use minced or crushed garlic in a jar or tube
- Buy shredded or ground fresh Parmesan cheese
Recipe ideas for fresh basil
- cauliflower rice recipe with pesto
- pesto orzo and vegetables
- grilled pesto shrimp panzanella
- pesto ricotta crostini appetizers
Easy Basil Pesto
Process garlic, basil, oil, walnuts or pine nuts and Parmesan cheese in a processor and voila. Classic basil pesto in 5 minutes. A perfect way to use up that summer garden basil. (makes 1/2 cup)
Servings: 8 tablespoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup pinenuts or walnuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 small cloves (or teaspoons) garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- MAKE THE PESTO: Grind pine nuts (or walnuts) and garlic in a food processor for a minute. Add basil leaves and process for another minute. Slowly add in oil from the feeder tube until combined. Add Parmesan cheese and process a few more seconds. Freezes well.
Notes
Make ahead:
- Pesto lasts 5-7 days in the fridge.
- I freeze it in ziploc bags in 1/4 cup portions to use whenever I need pesto. Lasts 3-4 months in the freezer.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Easy Basil Pesto
Amount Per Serving
Calories 172
Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 110mg5%
Potassium 48mg1%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 371IU7%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 71mg7%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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