Description
This vibrant pesto sauce uses fresh basil and toasted pine nuts to create a smooth, aromatic condiment without wine or a grater. Perfect for pasta, spreads, or grilled proteins, it balances richness and freshness in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Fresh Basil Leaves, 2 cups (packed)
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, 1/2 to 3/4 cup
Pine Nuts, 1/3 to 1/2 cup
Parmesan Cheese, 1/4 cup
Garlic, 1–3 cloves
Salt & Pepper, To taste
Lemon Juice, Optional: 1 tsp
Instructions
Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden
Combine basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender
Pulse until coarsely ground
With blender running, gradually add olive oil until emulsified
Stir in Parmesan by hand
Optional: Add lemon juice for brightness
Notes
Use Genovese basil for traditional flavor
Swap pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds
Vegan option: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and extra olive oil
Store pesto in a sealed jar covered with 1 tsp olive oil
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: DINNER
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg