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    Home » Dips and Sauces » Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe

    Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe

    Published: Jun 14, 2021 · Modified: May 18, 2022 by Ajoke · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    I am currently obsessed with fresh basil pesto sauce, not sure if it has anything to do with the hot summer weather. You will catch me using this homemade condiments on almost everything, as a spread in sandwiches, toast, salads, dips, on eggs, pasta, and many more.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Let me show you how to make this quick and easy homemade basil pesto sauce in simple steps and it doesn’t involve mortar and pestle.

    a close shot of green pesto in a glass jar.

    Homemade basil pesto sauce recipe

    Ever wondered how to make your own fresh basil pesto sauce, I have got you covered with this quick and easy recipe. Get your DIY cap on and let’s make the best pesto sauce from scratch in 10 minutes. This will give your store-bought a run for its money. It is 100 times better if you make it yourself.

    Once you make this condiment the first time, you will be able to make it again without any measurement. One of the reason pesto it is great is because you can make it to taste i.e. the ingredients can be adjusted to preference.

    While pine nut is the original nut used in making pesto, you can swap it for other types of nuts such as walnut in case you are allergic to pine nuts.

    green condiment in a glass jar.

    What describes this homemade condiment the best

    • Vibrant and Fresh
    • Creamy and delicious
    • Aromatic! thanks to the fresh basil
    • Versatile
    • Freeze-able
    • Vegetarian

    Ingredients

    My homemade basil pesto sauce recipe is made with the following ingredients

    Fresh basil

    Parmesan cheese: substitute with Pecorino or Grana Padano.

    Garlic: fresh garlic all the way here

    Extra virgin Olive oil: substitute with grapeseed oil

    Pine nut kernels: this is the traditional ingredients used for this recipe but you can substitute with walnut or even cashew nut.

    Salt and black pepper to taste

    ingredients needed for the recipe.

    Pesto variations

    While fresh basil and pine nuts are the classic ingredients to use in making this green condiment, you can make it using other green vegetables of choice.

    Kale and spinach are a great substitute for basil or you can make it half and a half if you wouldn’t like it to be very aromatic. You can also use other types of greens but the two mentioned are the ones I have tried before they worked.

    Make it vegan by using vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

    Tools needed

    Food processor or immersion blender for a smoother pesto.

    Chopping board

    Knife

    How to make basil pesto sauce

    Place the fresh basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and blitz just until combined. (scrape the sides of the food processor from time to time for even consistency) Add parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, olive oil, and process until combined and emulsified. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of olive oil to loosen it.

    the process shot of making basil pesto.

    FAQS

    Can I make basil pesto without pine nuts

    Yes, you can by substituting pine nuts with walnut, almonds, or cashew nuts.

    What is basil pesto good for

    It is a versatile sauce that can be used on almost every dish, pasta being a popular one. You can use it as a marinade in chicken, meatballs, beef, or even vegetables. It can be used on any grilled or roasted meat or seafood.

    Is pesto sauce healthy

    Yes, it is healthy if eaten in moderation. Pesto should not be eaten on its own as a meal and a little goes a long way to whatever you add it to.

    To make this recipe healthier, reduce the amount of oil, nuts, and cheese used.

    green pesto on a small plate with a spoon.

    More creative ways to use pesto include

    Dipping sauce: try it with the best crispy baked chicken wings or air fryer pasta chips

    Pizza toppings

    Make pesto mayo

    Add to meatballs for some Italian flavors

    Garlic bread topping! it is also great on pull cheese bread too.

    Stir into scrambled eggs or use on top of your sunny side up eggs

    Use as a marinade for mozzarella balls to make these easy no-cook Caprese skewers.

    Stir into soups for additional flavor

    Use as a spread for sandwiches

    As it to pork sausages for your homemade sausage rolls

    overhead shot of pesto, marinated tomatoes and slices of bread.

    How to store basil pesto

    Homemade pesto would last for up to 7 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. note: the pesto will likely change color as it sits in the fridge,

    In the freezer: for the best result make the pesto without parmesan cheese, this can be added to the pesto at the of use. Pour the pesto into an ice tray so that it is easy to use without having to thaw the whole condiments. Store for up 3 months in the freezer.

    More recipes you will love

    Bread dipping oil

    Sweet chili mayo

    Halloumi fries

    Marinated feta

    Marinated tomatoes

    If you made this easy green pesto recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback and rate it 5 stars. Tag us @cravingsmallbites on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest

    the overhead shot of basil pesto in a jar.

    Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe

    Ajoke
    Homemade fresh basil pesto sauce is a perfect condiment for all dishes. Let me show you how to make this quick and easy homemade basil pesto sauce in simple steps and it doesn’t involve mortar and pestle.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Condiment, Dip
    Cuisine American, French
    Servings 1 cup
    Calories 789 kcal

    Equipment

    • food processor

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
    • ⅓ cup parmesan cheese substitute with Pecorino or Grana Padano.
    • 2 large garlic cloves
    • ¼ cup pine nut kernels substitute with walnut or even cashew nut.
    • ⅓ cup extra virgin Olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Place the fresh basil leaves, garlic and pine nuts in a food processor and blitz just until combined. (scrape the sides of the food processor from time to time for even consistency)
      Add parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, olive oil and process until combined and emulsified. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of olive oil.
    • Transfer the processed pesto into an airtight jar and store in the fridge.

    Notes

    How to store
    Homemade pesto would last for up to 7 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
    In the freezer: for the best result make the pesto without parmesan cheese, this can be added to the pesto at the of use. Pour the pesto into an ice tray so that it is easy to use without having to thaw the whole condiments. Store for up 3 months in the freezer.
    FAQS
    Can I make basil pesto without pine nuts
    Yes, you can by substituting pine nuts with walnut, almonds, or cashew nuts.
    What is basil pesto good for
    It is a versatile sauce that can be used on almost every dish, pasta being a popular one. You can use it as a marinade in chicken, meatballs, meat, or even vegetables. It can be used on any grilled or roasted meat or seafood.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 789kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 14gFat: 81gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 55gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 538mgPotassium: 199mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2793IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 491mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword Basil pesto, basil pesto sauce recipe, how to make pesto
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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