Learn how to make easy basil pesto, a flavorful sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil; perfect for adding a burst of freshness to pasta, sandwiches, and dips!
Pesto is just the BEST, amiright?! It’s healthy, it uses fresh summer produce, it’s naturally gluten free, it’s so versatile, and it’s so FREAKING delicious. 
How to make
- Place all ingredients into a food processor and process until well combined.
How to use pesto
- Pasta. LOVE this pesto pasta salad, but it would also be great for a hot pasta.
- Pizza. This pesto pizza recipe is a favorite.
- Risotto. This pesto risotto is unreal.
- As a dip. Bring on the fresh bread!
- As a spread. Caprese Grilled Cheese.
Other delicious pesto recipes
How to store
Pesto is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to a week!
Can you freeze pesto?
Yes! Freezing pesto is incredibly easy.
- Place prepared pesto into container of choice: freezer-safe tupperware or ice cube trays work best. Either way, be sure to leave space at the top to allow for expansion.
- Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top of each portion or container of pesto to prevent browning, then seal and place in the freezer. For ice cube trays: once frozen, pop them out of the tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe baggies.
- Store in the freezer for 3-4 months.
To enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight, then use as desired.
– Jennifer
How to Make Easy Homemade Basil Pesto
Learn how to make easy basil pesto, a flavorful sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil; perfect for adding a burst of freshness to pasta, sandwiches, and dips!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 16 tablespoons
Equipment for this recipe
(equipment shown are affiliate links)
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cups packed basil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ cup olive oil
- salt to taste
Recipe Video
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
- Place pine nuts onto prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, or until nuts are golden brown.
- Place all ingredients into food processor and process until well combined.
- Serve with pasta, pizza, crackers, bread, etc!
- Take 5 seconds to either rate this recipe below and/or PIN it. We greatly appreciate it!
STORING
Room Temp:N/A
Refrigerator:5-7 Days
Freezer:9-12 Months
Reheat:If frozen, thaw in fridge
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
How to Make Easy Homemade Basil Pesto
Amount Per Serving (1 tablespoon)
Calories 121 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 120mg5%
Potassium 116mg3%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 1618IU32%
Vitamin C 6mg7%
Calcium 140mg14%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Keywords: basil, quick, summer