Basil Pesto Recipe

4.67 from 6 votes

An easy basil pesto sauce recipe that you can make at home and in just 10 minutes.

Course Sauce

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings servings (1 small jar / 300g / 10 Oz)

Calories 291kcal

Author Mihaela

Get Recipe Ingredients

Heat a small frying pan on low heat.
Cook the pine nuts until golden, shaking occasionally.
Place the pine nuts into a food processor together with basil, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic cloves.
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Process until smooth, for about 1-2 minutes.
Keep the pesto sauce in a 300ml jar fitted with a tight lid and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

TIPS:

After making it, you can pour it into ice-cube molds. Freeze, then remove the cubes from the tray and store them in a freezer bag. You can keep them like this for up to 2 months. This way you'll have it portioned, so whenever you may need some, just grab a cube or two, defrost, and use it.
Use good quality extra virgin olive oil. There are some which are far from great, either not extra virgin or their taste is too intense. Find a good one, that is cold pressed and has a mild taste.
When toasting the pine nuts, keep an eye on them and stir constantly. They can get burned easily!
Try different kinds of nuts like cashews, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pistachios or macadamia. You may also add various fresh herbs and greens like mint, parsley or even kale. Mix and match until you find your favorite combo!
Feel free to add more garlic if you'd like. Also, try it with 1/2 Tsp of lemon zest for a more citrusy flavor.