Fresh Pesto
Fresh pesto offers a vibrant, herbaceous flavor perfect for pasta, bread, or dips. Its rich, nutty notes make it a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine fresh basil leaves (or parsley or spinach) and garlic in a food processor.
- Blend into a fine paste, scraping sides often.
- Add walnuts and Parmesan cheese. Process until smooth but slightly grainy.
- Pour olive oil through feed tube slowly with the machine running.
- Mix until smooth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier pesto, consider adding a bit of cream or using a blend of nuts, such as pine nuts or almonds. If you don't have walnuts, pecans work well too. Feel free to adjust the garlic for a milder flavor, or try adding lemon juice for brightness. If fresh basil is unavailable, parsley or spinach can be used without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh pesto is delicious tossed with pasta, such as Fettuccine With Spinach Cheese Sauce or used as a spread on sandwiches. It also makes a great dip for fresh vegetables or a topping for grilled meats. Pair it with Italian recipes for a complete meal, or use it to elevate dishes like Jumbo Shells With Cheese Stuffing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. If you need to store it for longer, consider freezing in ice cube trays; this allows for easy portioning later. Thaw and stir before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Pesto contains roughly 631 calories, with 18g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (162% of the Daily Value), calcium (61% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pine nuts, almonds, or even pecans. Each nut will impart a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make pesto without cheese?
Absolutely! You can make a dairy-free version by simply omitting the Parmesan cheese. To maintain creaminess, consider adding a bit of nutritional yeast or a splash of lemon juice for added flavor.
How can I make my pesto last longer?
To extend the shelf life of your pesto, store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top. This helps prevent oxidation. Alternatively, freezing pesto in ice cube trays is an excellent way to keep it fresh for several months.
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).