Basil Pesto
A vibrant, fresh basil pesto with garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan, perfect for spreading on bread or tossing with pasta for a flavorful, aromatic dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put everything except olive oil in a food processor.
- Pour olive oil into the feeder hole while pulsing until the oil is fully incorporated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier pesto, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream. If you don’t have pine nuts, walnuts are a great substitute. Toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their flavor. If you're looking for a different herb, try using cilantro or spinach in place of some basil for a unique twist. Feel free to adjust the garlic to your taste for a milder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Basil pesto is delicious tossed with pasta or drizzled over grilled vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Easy Manicotti or can be spread on sandwiches for an extra flavor boost. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or as a dip for crusty bread. It also works well as a topping for grilled chicken or fish, enhancing any Italian-inspired meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent oxidation, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on the surface before sealing. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning; simply transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. Thaw it in the fridge or at room temperature before use.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basil Pesto contains roughly 411 calories, with 15g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2188mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While dried basil can be used in a pinch, it won’t provide the same vibrant flavor as fresh basil. If you must use dried, reduce the amount to about 1/3, as dried herbs are more concentrated. For the best taste, fresh ingredients are always recommended in Italian recipes.
What can I do if my pesto is too thick?
If your pesto turns out too thick, simply blend in a little more olive oil or a splash of water until you reach your desired consistency. This will help it blend smoothly and make it easier to mix with pasta or use as a spread.
How can I make my pesto vegan?
To make vegan pesto, simply omit the parmesan cheese and substitute it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also add a little more salt or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the taste. This adaptation maintains the deliciousness while making it suitable for vegan diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).