Description
Classic Basil Pesto Sauce is a vibrant, aromatic Italian condiment made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This versatile sauce adds a burst of flavor to pasta, sandwiches, grilled vegetables, and more. With its easy preparation using a food processor or blender, it’s perfect for quick meals or gourmet dishes. The sauce can be stored refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for longer preservation.
Ingredients
Classic Basil Pesto Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
- 2–3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice (keeps it bright and green)
Instructions
- Combine basil, garlic, and nuts: In a food processor or blender, add the fresh basil leaves, peeled garlic cloves, and pine nuts. Pulse several times until the ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture and pulse again to integrate the cheese smoothly into the chopped basil and nuts.
- Drizzle in olive oil: With the motor running on low speed, slowly pour the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube or opening until the mixture becomes a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Season to taste: Taste the pesto and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add an optional squeeze of lemon juice to maintain the bright green color and add a slight tang if desired. Pulse briefly to mix.
Notes
- For a creamier pesto texture, add 1 tablespoon of cream or ricotta cheese when blending the olive oil.
- Store pesto in an airtight container topped with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning and preserve freshness.
- The pesto sauce keeps refrigerated for 1 to 2 weeks and can be frozen in ice cube trays for convenient portion sizes and longer storage of up to 3 months.
