Easy Basil Pesto
With just a few simple ingredients, it's easy to skip the store bought and whip up this easy and delicious basil pesto at home!
A popular lunch of my childhood was a pretzel bun, havarti cheese, sliced ham, and pesto. Warm it up for a bit in the microwave… chefs kiss. We always kept these ingredients on hand, including the store bought pesto from Costco that came in a large enough size to satisfy my family of 9!
Growing up with store-bought pesto, I never really considered making my own until one day when I happened to randomly have most of the ingredients on hand and a cluster of basil that would have otherwise been thrown away.
I tossed all of the ingredients in my food processor and ended up with the easiest homemade basil pesto that was filled with parmesan flavor and even more delicious on my pretzel roll ham bun.
Once I made my own pesto at home, I have never gone back to store bought and I think you won’t either once you try this easy recipe!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
You’ll absolutely love this homemade pesto because it is:
The perfect blend of flavors: basil, lemon, pine nuts, and parmesan all blended together with flavor filled olive oil.
Can be used in a variety of recipes: add it to pastas, spread it on sandwiches, or mix it into your eggs in the morning!
Customizable: Want less parmesan? Do it! Need more basil? Add that in too. The players stay the same, but you can change portions of each ingredient to enhance or minimize certain flavors.
Easy to make with minimal clean up: All you’ll need is a food processor and, voila, you have your own basil pesto.
You’re gonna love it!
Ingredients:
There are tons of different ways to make basil pesto but we are keeping this one simple and easy with classic ingredients like:
Fresh basil- must be fresh!
Grated parmesan- this can be added to taste and the recipe as written has a full parmesan flavor.
Lemon juice- I recommend fresh lemon juice.
Pine nuts
Minced garlic- Similar to the parmesan, the garlic can be added to taste.
Garlic salt
The process:
Making your own basil pesto at home may sound intimidating but it really is super easy and one of the best parts about this recipe is that you will only dirty one dish in the process. We love a minimal clean up recipe!
Here’s what you’ll do:
1) Add all of your ingredients to a blender or food processor.
2) Pulse until the ingredients begin to combine. If needed, use a spoon to scrape down the sides of your blender or food processor to incorporate all of your ingredients.
3) Blend until fully smooth. Enjoy this basil pesto on pastas, sandwiches, wraps, or as a veggie dip!
What pairs well with basil pesto?
Homemade pesto plays nice with a variety of recipes. :
Pasta: This pesto recipe will add a subtle flavor to many different pesto pasta recipes. I would recommend pairing this pesto with a pasta that already has a lot of flavor or spice in it since pesto is a fairly neutral but delicious flavor.
Other condiments: It’s easy to combine this pesto recipe with other condiments. For an easy basil pesto mayo, add equal parts mayo to basil pesto and stir until fully combined.
Sandwiches and wraps: Evenly spread this pesto on your sandwiches for a nice burst of herby flavor that enhances almost any sandwich or wrap.
Protein: This recipe would be perfect on an easy baked pesto chicken parmesan or as a spread for grilled fish.
There are so many different ways that you could use up your jar of homemade basil pesto.
Recipe FAQ:
Do I have to use olive oil?
I definitely recommend using olive oil because its flavors pair well with basil pesto BUT you can definitely get away with another oil like avocado oil or even a neutral vegetable oil if needed.
How do I store basil pesto?
Store this in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a stir when you are ready to include it in your recipes!
How long will this recipe stay good for?
You can store this basil pesto in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days before it will need to be tossed out! If you want to store it for longer, you can always freeze small cubes of basil pesto in an ice tray or small food storage tray and keep it in the freezer for 3 to 6 months.
Easy Basil Pesto
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add your basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic and garlic salt to a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients begin to combine.
- Add your olive oil to the food processor and pulse until your basil pesto is smooth. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate for one week!
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Hey! I’m Lauren
I’m a Registered Dietitian and busy toddler mom committed to bringing you delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make recipes!