Perfect Pesto: Fresh, Fragrant & Full of Flavor
Bursting with the vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan, this Perfect Pesto recipe is your go-to sauce for pasta, sandwiches, grilled meats, and more. It’s quick, easy, and infinitely better than anything store-bought!
🍴 Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
🔥 Instructions
Toast the Nuts:
Lightly toast the pine nuts (or walnuts) in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
Blend the Ingredients:
In a food processor, combine basil, toasted nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Pulse until finely chopped.
Add Olive Oil:
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Season and Adjust:
Add salt and pepper to taste. For a bit of zing, squeeze in the lemon juice and blend again.
Serve or Store:
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for quick single servings!
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to help you create the best Perfect Pesto
- 🌿 Organic Basil Seeds for Home Growing – Grow your own fresh basil for garden-to-table flavor
- 🧄 Cuisinart Mini Food Processor – Compact and perfect for making small batches of pesto
- 🧀 Parmesan Cheese Grater – Shave fresh Parmesan quickly and easily
- 🥜 Pine Nuts – Raw and Natural – High-quality pine nuts to deliver authentic flavor
- 🍋 Citrus Juicer Hand Press – Get the perfect squeeze of lemon to brighten up your pesto
💡 Helpful Tip: To keep your pesto bright green, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing it in a container and refrigerating.