Pesto (Basil Sauce)
A vibrant, herby basil pesto with toasted pine nuts and sharp Parmesan, perfect for pasta, bread, or as a flavorful condiment. Bright, aromatic, and versatile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put basil, garlic, and pine nuts into a blender.
- Blend at low speed for a few seconds until the ingredients are chopped.
- Add 4 tablespoons cheese and half of the olive oil and blend again.
- Scrape the mixture down from the sides of the blender.
- Turn speed to low and trickle in remaining olive oil while blending.
- By hand, stir in salt and pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier pesto, consider adding a tablespoon of cream or using more cheese. If you don't have pine nuts, walnuts or pecans can be a great substitute. Adjust the garlic to your taste; for a milder flavor, roast it first. Be sure to use fresh basil for the best flavor, and if you're short on time, pre-washed basil can make your prep quicker.
Serving Suggestions
Pesto is versatile and can be served tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or drizzled over grilled vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Lots Of Noodles Lasagna or as a dip for breadsticks. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with Tangy Italian Cheese Bread for a complete meal.
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. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Thaw in the refrigerator or use directly from frozen in dishes like Spaghetti With Pesto.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pesto (Basil Sauce) contains roughly 457 calories, with 36g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 967mg per serving (42% 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 other herbs instead of basil?
Yes, you can experiment with different herbs like cilantro, parsley, or arugula for unique flavor variations. However, the classic taste of basil is what makes traditional pesto so special. Mixing herbs can create interesting blends, but start with a base of basil for the best results.
How can I make pesto vegan?
To make a vegan version of pesto, simply omit the cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, ensuring you still have a delicious sauce without animal products.
What can I use pesto on besides pasta?
Pesto is incredibly versatile! You can use it as a spread on sandwiches, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or even a flavor enhancer in soups. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables and can be drizzled over pizza or used in salad dressings for an added kick.
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).