Primo Pesto!
Primo Pesto is a vibrant, aromatic sauce featuring fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or drizzling over grilled vegetables. Its rich, herbaceous flavor makes it a versatile addition to any Mediterranean-inspired meal, delighting both casual diners and food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine basil leaves, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and salt in a food processor or blender.
- Puree until smooth.
- Stir in grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using toasted pine nuts instead of raw. If you don't have pine nuts, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes. Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for pungency. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor. If you want a creamier pesto, blend in a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
This pesto is perfect tossed with pasta or spread on sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Eggplant Bake or Spinach And Beans. For a fresh side, serve it alongside Sesame Tossed Salad. You can also use it as a dip for fresh veggies or a topping for grilled chicken or fish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. Pesto can also be frozen in ice cube trays and then transferred to a freezer bag for longer storage. Simply thaw in the fridge before using.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Primo Pesto! contains roughly 702 calories, with 14g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value) and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2021mg per serving (88% 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 without cheese?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of pesto by omitting the cheese and adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also experiment with adding more nuts or seeds to enhance the texture and richness of the pesto.
How can I adjust the consistency of the pesto?
If your pesto is too thick, simply add more olive oil or a splash of water while blending until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, you can add more basil or nuts to thicken it up.
What can I use pesto for other than pasta?
Pesto is versatile and can be used in various ways. Spread it on sandwiches, drizzle over grilled vegetables, or use it as a marinade for meats. It also works wonderfully as a topping for pizza or as a flavor booster in soups.
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).