This fresh basil pesto recipe is the perfect way to add some zing to your favorite dishes. With fragrant basil, nutty Parmesan cheese, and rich pine nuts, this pesto is packed with flavor and can be whipped up in minutes using a food processor. And with a helpful tip for storing the pesto, you can enjoy its delicious taste for days to come. Try it on pasta, sandwiches, or as a tasty dip - the possibilities are endless!
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In my family we have been spoiled by always having a jar of fresh homemade basil pesto in the fridge. We plant several basil plants in our garden every year, which results in more basil than we could ever use. To make the most of the surplus basil, we make homemade pesto and freeze it.
❤️Why you will love this recipe
- Quick and easy: Made in just minutes with minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks.
- Flavorful and versatile: The combination of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts create a flavorful pesto that can be used in a variety of dishes.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a fancy dinner party appetizer, this pesto is a crowd-pleaser.
- Preserves well: The olive oil smothering tip helps preserve the pesto's freshness, so you can enjoy it for longer.
- Homemade and healthy: By making your own pesto, you can ensure that it's free from unwanted additives and preservatives, making it a healthy and delicious addition to your meals.
This basil pesto recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy condiment that adds versatility and flavor to any dish.
🥣Equipment
Get ready to make your own pesto with just a few simple kitchen tools:
- Food processor: This powerful appliance makes it easy to combine all the ingredients and achieve the perfect texture for your pesto. Alternatively use a blender or mortar and pestle.
- Measuring tools: You'll need measuring cups and spoons to ensure you add the right amounts of each ingredient.
- Spatula: A spatula is helpful for scraping down the sides of the food processor bowl to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Jars: You'll need jars to store the pesto, and it's helpful to have jars with airtight lids to help preserve the freshness of the pesto.
📝The Ingredients
This fresh homemade basil pesto recipe only needs a few simple ingredients.
- Basil: Fresh basil is the base of this recipe. It is best if you get it right out of your garden. What basil you use doesn't really matter. All but Thai basil works. Dried basil will not work with this recipe.
- Garlic: Adds a savory kick to the pesto and balance out the sweetness of the basil. If you want extra flavor roast the garlic in the oven beforehand.
- Parmesan: add a savory kick to the pesto and balance out the sweetness of the basil. Grated cheese often has extra ingredients to keep it fresh which we do not want in our pesto.
- Pine Nuts: add a savory kick to the pesto and balance out the sweetness of the basil. If you have a hard time finding pine nuts you can swap them out walnuts, almonds or even pistachio.
- Olive Oil: The olive oil not only helps bind the ingredients together but also adds a subtle fruity flavor and smooth texture to the pesto.
The olive oil not only helps bind the ingredients together but also adds a subtle fruity flavor and smooth texture to the pesto.
👩🏻🍳How to make fresh homemade basil pesto
Homemade basil pesto can be made in just a few minutes. You will need a blender or food processor to mix all the ingredients together.
Here is a quick overview of the recipe steps. Please read the recipe card for the full instructions.
Before you start with the recipe it is important that you sterilize 2-3 smaller jars in which you can fill the pesto. Check out my post where I explain different methods on how to sterilize your jars: How to sterilize your jars
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor.
- Pulse until ingredients are combined but still slightly chunky.
- Scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed.
- Transfer pesto to a jar and top with olive oil.
- Store in the fridge until ready to use.
.That's it! This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for adding a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes.
🥄Storage
Proper storage is important for keeping your fresh basil pesto tasting its best. Here are some tips for storing your pesto:
- Refrigerate: If you plan on using your pesto within a week, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to cover the surface of the pesto with a layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation and keep it fresh. An unopened jar of pesto will stay fresh for up to 6 months as long as it is in a cool dark spot like the fridge.
- Freeze: Pesto also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep or preserving excess batches. To freeze, spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 6 months. You can also store pesto in a jar in the freezer for up to a year.
With these storage tips, you can keep your fresh basil pesto tasting delicious and vibrant for longer, ensuring that you always have a flavorful and versatile condiment on hand.
🍴Serving suggestions
With its rich and indulgent flavor, fresh basil pesto can elevate any dish and add a burst of flavor to your culinary creations. Get creative and experiment with different serving ideas to find your favorite way to enjoy this delicious condiment!
Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy your homemade pesto:
- Pasta: Toss your favorite cooked pasta with fresh basil pesto for a quick and delicious meal. I am loving this Italian Pasta Salad
- Sandwiches: Spread fresh basil pesto on sandwiches or wraps for an added burst of flavor.
- Caprese salad: Drizzle fresh basil pesto over sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves for a classic Caprese salad.
- Grilled meats and vegetables: Use fresh basil pesto as a marinade or sauce for grilled meats and vegetables.
- Bruschetta: Spread fresh basil pesto on toasted bread and top with sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella for a tasty appetizer.
- Salads: Use fresh basil pesto as a dressing for salads or as a topping for fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Pesto bread twist: Roll out puff pastry or pizza dough, spread fresh basil pesto over the surface, roll it up, and slice it into twists. Bake until golden and serve as a tasty appetizer.
- Use it as a dip: Basil pesto makes a great dip for vegetables, crackers, or breadsticks. Serve it alongside a platter of your favorite dipping foods for a tasty and satisfying snack.
💭Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I substitute other nuts for pine nuts in pesto?
A: Yes, you can substitute other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for pine nuts in pesto. Each nut will add a slightly different flavor to the pesto.
Q: How can I make vegan pesto?
A: To make vegan pesto, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative such as nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan cheese.
Q: Can I freeze fresh basil pesto?
A: Yes, fresh basil pesto can be frozen for up to six months in ice cube trays and up to a year in an airtight container.
Q: What can I use instead of olive oil in pesto?
A: You can use other oils such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil in pesto, but olive oil is traditional and provides a distinct flavor.
Q: How can I adjust the consistency of my pesto?
A: To make your pesto thinner, simply add more olive oil. To make it thicker, add more nuts or cheese.
Q: How long will fresh basil pesto keep in the fridge?
A: An open jar will keep in the fridge for up to one week if stored in an airtight container and covered with a layer of olive oil.
Q: Can I use frozen basil to make pesto?
A: will keep in the fridge for up to one week if stored in an airtight container and covered with a layer of olive oil.
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📖 Recipe
Fresh Basil Pesto
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Jars (sterilized)
Ingredients
- 75 g Basil
- 1 Garlic clove
- 150 g Parmesan whole not grated
- 2 tbsp. Pine Nuts
- 1-1.5 dl Olive Oil
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until nicely combined. You still want some junks in the pesto and not a completely smooth texture. Scrape down the sides in between pulsing if necessary.75 g Basil, 1 Garlic clove, 150 g Parmesan, 2 tbsp. Pine Nuts, 1-1.5 dl Olive Oil
- Fill the mixture into the prepared jars.
- Now grab that olive oil and smother that pesto to where the top is covered with it. Doing this will keep your pesto fresh and and prevent your amazing pesto from becoming moldy.
- You can immediately use the pesto or store it in the fridge for a while first.
Notes
US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
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Stefan says
One of the best!
Jodi Reed says
I love basil pesto. This is definitely the best and easiest way to make it. Thanks for the great recipe!
Gabriela Herrera says
Oh my God this pest is to die for. I love the nutty flavor of the pine nuts and the vibrant color that the basil give it perfect for dipping my potatoes or pasta in it.
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
Making pesto is so simple, but it is always so delicious. We love mixing it with hot pasta and adding it to homemade pizza.
Hanaa says
Homemade pesto is just the best!
Angie Grullon says
Love love basil pesto!!
Tanja Bugmann says
Sooo nice 😊
fede says
Delicious and super easy to make. This pesto is unbelievable good!
Jess says
This is exceptional and a delicious flavor!
Mallory says
Love this homemade pesto!!
Gina Abernathy says
Nice homemade Pesto!
Katie says
Love this pesto! I used vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version and it turned out perfectly! I'll definitely be making again soon!
Cindy L says
My youngest is not a fan of tomato based sauces, so pesto is his go to for pasta and pizza. We really enjoyed making this recipe together.
Bianca says
Oh I love to hear that! Making food together as a family is just the best! Thank you so much for making my basil pesto 🙂
dave says
This homemade pesto is the best! i just wish that pine nuts weren't so expensive these days!
Bianca says
Thank you so much for trying my basil pesto recipe! Pine nuts definitely are not cheap these days. They give the pesto the best flavor but you can easily replace them with other nuts. You can find some suggestions in the post 🙂