Looking for Sourdough? 
This easy homemade pesto recipe is a delicious way to amp up the flavor of dinner tonight! This amazing sauce only needs a handful ingredients and takes 5 minutes to make in a food processor.
So much better than store-bought!
Basil is growing crazy in the garden right now and that can only mean that it's time to make homemade basil pesto from scratch. Pesto is a great way to add tons of flavor to all kinds of dishes.
Baste grilled chicken, add it to pasta or drizzle it on top of your sourdough pizza crust for a pop of flavor that is out of this world!
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Ingredients
- fresh basil
- fresh garlic
- pine nuts
- parmesan cheese
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- salt and pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Wash the basil leaves and place them into a salad spinner to help remove excess moisture. Spread the leaves onto a baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel. Use another clean towel to gently press down on the basil leaves to help dry the basil completely.
Process the basil, garlic cloves, pine nuts, parmesan, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a food processor until it starts to form a paste, scraping down the sides a few times.
With the processor running, pour the oil through the feed tube and process until incorporated.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasonings if desired. Pour into a container with a tight fitting lid.
Substitutions
Don't have basil? Homemade pesto can be made with other ingredients that you may have in the fridge!
- Basil - instead of basil, use a leafy green such as spinach or kale. It's nice to include a variety of fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley or mint depending on the type of dish you are making.
- Pine Nuts - use walnuts, pistachios, almonds or sunflower seeds.
Top Tip
If after tasting the pesto you find it's a little "heavy", add another tablespoon of lemon juice. The acidity helps brighten up the flavor!
Equipment
A blender or a small food processor (affiliate link) makes preparing homemade pesto super easy. A mortar and pestle (affiliate link), the traditional method for making pesto, can be used to crush the ingredients together.
Storage
If you don't plan to use the pesto right away, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto before covering the jar and placing it into the refrigerator. This will create a layer of protection to keep the pesto fresh for up to 3 weeks. To use, tilt the jar to the side to expose the pesto and use a spoon to remove the amount needed.
Basil pesto freezes well. Pour the pesto into ice cube trays and allow them to freeze completely. Transfer the cubes into a freezer safe bag and store for up to 6 months. Having frozen pesto in the freezer will make it easy to throw a quick pasta dinner together when you're in a crunch for time!
More easy homemade pantry recipes
We love to make anything we can from scratch instead of buying it at the store. Here are a few recipes you can easily make yourself!
Basil Pesto
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil (see notes)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash the basil leaves. Place them into a salad spinner to help remove excess moisture. Spread the leaves onto a baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel. Use another clean towel to gently press down on the basil leaves to help dry the basil completely.
- Process the basil, garlic cloves, pine nuts, parmesan, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a food processor until it starts to form a paste, scraping down the sides a few times.
- With the processor running, pour the oil through the feed tube and process until incorporated. Taste the pesto and adjust seasonings if desired. Pour the pesto into a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.
- If you are not using the pesto right away, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto before placing into the refrigerator. This will create a layer of protection to keep the pesto fresh for up to 3 weeks. To use, tilt the jar to the side to expose the pesto and use a spoon to remove the amount needed.
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