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Classic Homemade Pesto

Classic Homemade Pesto is a super versatile sauce that can be served in endless ways. Made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Such a bright green, creamy, fresh, and delicious sauce. Serve it with your favorite dishes such as pasta, chicken, fish, pizza, sandwiches, etc. 

Course Condiments
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Classic Homemade Pesto
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 16 tablespoons
Calories 93 kcal
Author Angelica Arias

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 1/3 cup raw pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2-1 tsp pink sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a food processor; basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, pink sea salt, and black pepper. Pulse on high for 30-40 seconds until smooth consistency is reached.

  2. Taste and add more salt if desired. Serve pesto in a mason jar or any airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 7-10 days.

Recipe Notes

Tips and Substitutions:

  1. Start with 1/2 teaspoon salt when blending your pesto- You can adjust the salt once the pesto is done if desired.

  2. Don't skip adding lemon zest and juice- Not only do these elevate the flavor and raises the saltiness, it also expands the shelf life of homemade pesto making it last longer in the fridge.

  3. Substitute for pine nuts- Walnuts are a great substitute. You can use any other nut like almonds or even pistachios.

  4. Make it vegan friendly- Just use vegan parmesan or substitute for nutritional yeast.

  5. Pulse your pesto not blend- Pulse in a food processor or high speed blender. Don't use blended option as it will make your pesto too liquid. You want a crushed but creamy texture.

Nutrition Facts
Classic Homemade Pesto
Amount per Serving
Calories
93
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Cholesterol
 
3
mg
1
%
Sodium
 
128
mg
6
%
Potassium
 
31
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
0
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
0.2
g
0
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
108
IU
2
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
32
mg
3
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.