How to Make Basic Basil Pesto - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something timelessly delicious about a simple basil pesto. Whether you spread it on a sandwich, toss it with pasta, or use it as a dip for bread, the vibrant combination of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil is a flavor that's hard to beat.

Not only is basil pesto incredibly tasty, but it's also super versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, swap out the nuts for a different variety, or even add in some extra ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or spi...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, stems removed
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Servings: 6

  • Place pine nuts in a single layer in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer immediately to a plate to stop the cooking process; allow to cool, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine toasted pine nuts, basil, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until blended. Pour olive oil in slowly, with the processor running on low speed, until mixture is smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and process until just combined.
  • Nutrition

    218 cal.

    • Total Fat: 22g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 6mg
    • Sodium: 103mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 2g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 4g
    • Vitamin C: 3mg
    • Calcium: 102mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 73mg