Description
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this classic Homemade Basil Pesto is the perfect sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and dips. Made with fragrant basil, creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and garlic, it’s an easy way to elevate any dish with authentic Italian taste.
Ingredients
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2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (can substitute half with baby spinach)
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½ cup freshly grated Romano or Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
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½ cup extra virgin olive oil
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⅓ cup pine nuts (can substitute chopped walnuts)
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3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
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¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
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⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
Instructions
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Toast nuts (optional):
For extra flavor, lightly toast pine nuts or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden, about 3–5 minutes. Let cool. -
Blend ingredients:
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, toasted nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until coarsely chopped. -
Add cheese and oil:
Add grated cheese. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency—smooth but still a bit textured. -
Adjust seasoning:
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or cheese as desired. -
Store:
Use immediately or store in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning. Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Swap half the basil for spinach to mellow the flavor and stretch the recipe.
Use pesto as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for veggies.
For a nut-free version, omit nuts and increase cheese slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: No-cook, Food Processor
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: basil pesto, homemade pesto, Italian sauce, fresh pesto, pesto recipe