This classic Italian pesto captures the essence of summer with its bright, herbaceous flavor profile. Made primarily from fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and sharp Parmesan cheese, it creates a luxurious texture that coats every bite. The addition of garlic adds a subtle pungency, while extra virgin olive oil binds the ingredients into a smooth, emulsified sauce. It is incredibly versatile, serving as a quick weeknight dinner solution when tossed with spaghetti, a spread for paninis, or a dip for crusty bread. Freshly made, it offers a burst of green goodness that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
Standard Pesto
Description
This classic Italian pesto captures the essence of summer with its bright, herbaceous flavor profile. Made primarily from fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and sharp Parmesan cheese, it creates a luxurious texture that coats every bite. The addition of garlic adds a subtle pungency, while extra virgin olive oil binds the ingredients into a smooth, emulsified sauce. It is incredibly versatile, serving as a quick weeknight dinner solution when tossed with spaghetti, a spread for paninis, or a dip for crusty bread. Freshly made, it offers a burst of green goodness that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.Ingredients
Directions
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Place the fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, pine nuts, and salt into the bowl of a food processor.
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Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are finely chopped and form a coarse paste.
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Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the processor and pulse until combined.
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With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube until the sauce is emulsified and smooth.
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Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
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Transfer the pesto to a serving bowl or storage container.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 52.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.8g2%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 5.3mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 9.7g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2.6g11%
- Sugars 5.4g
- Protein 4.1g9%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
To preserve the bright green color and prevent oxidation, you can add a small amount of lemon juice or cover the surface of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil before storing.
Pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months.
If pine nuts are too expensive or unavailable, you can substitute with toasted walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a nutritional yeast substitute.
