Easy Pesto Sauce
This vibrant pesto sauce combines fresh basil, parsley, garlic, Parmesan, and nuts for a flavorful, versatile condiment. Its bright, herbaceous notes pair perfectly with pasta, vegetables, or soups, making it an ideal addition to any meal that benefits from a fresh, aromatic touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put basil and parsley in blender.
- Blend with 1/4 cup olive oil at low speed.
- Add cheese and remaining oil and blend.
- Add nuts, blending until chopped.
- Use over spaghetti or in soups or vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the blender. If you don’t have pine nuts, walnuts are a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the nuts lightly before blending. This pesto is versatile; feel free to experiment with other herbs like cilantro or spinach for a twist. Make sure to use fresh basil for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Pesto Sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti or can be used as a vibrant topping for grilled vegetables. It also complements dishes like Broiled Feta Chicken, adding a fresh herbal note. Try mixing it into salads or using it as a marinade for proteins. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a Village Salad (Horiatiki) for a refreshing Mediterranean experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pesto sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in ice cube trays. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator or quickly heat in a pan over low heat before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Pesto Sauce contains roughly 549 calories, with 22g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (116% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and potassium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 619mg per serving (27% 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 make pesto sauce without nuts?
Yes, you can absolutely make pesto without nuts. Simply omit them or replace them with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture and nutrition. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Just be sure to adjust the blending time to achieve your desired consistency.
How can I make the pesto sauce vegan?
To make this pesto sauce vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great option for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add a little extra garlic or lemon juice for added flavor to compensate for the missing cheese.
What dishes can I use this pesto sauce in?
This Easy Pesto Sauce is incredibly versatile! You can use it over pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, or drizzled on roasted vegetables. It also works well in soups or as a marinade for meats and tofu. For a quick meal, mix it into cooked grains like quinoa or rice for a flavorful side dish.
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).