Homemade Fresh Basil Pesto

Homemade Fresh Basil Pesto

This homemade fresh basil pesto only requires a handful of simple ingredients and comes together in a food processor just 5 minutes!

Course Dip, Sauce

Cuisine Italian

Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings

Calories 204kcal

Author Kyleigh Sage

Equipment

5 cup food processor

Ingredients

3 cups fresh basil packed
½ cup pine nuts
½ cup parmesan cheese
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt more to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until everything is finely chopped and resembles a thick paste.
If you prefer a thinner pesto, add in more olive oil 1 teaspoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired!
That's it!! In just 5 minutes you have the most delicious fresh basil pesto sauce!
You can store this pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week! Be sure to drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top before storing to help keep it from turning brown.

Notes

This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of pesto.

Pesto will naturally lose its vibrant color overtime, so if you want to keep it bright green you can blanch the basil prior to blending!

To blanch the basil, fill a large bowl with cold water and several ice cubes and set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then add the basil leaves and blanch for a quick 15 seconds! Immediately remove the leaves from the boiling water and place in the ice water bath. After a about 10 seconds, remove and squeeze out any excess water, then pat dry.

Nutrition