Fresh Basil Pesto That Tastes Better Than Store-Bought

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Nothing quite captures the essence of Summer like Homemade Basil Pesto. This beautiful vibrant green sauce is made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It’s often used as a sauce for pasta. Nonetheless, this versatile condiment can transform everything from salads to sandwiches. Today we’re diving deep into what makes pesto so special, how to make it at home and some amazing unique ways to use it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The freshness – Pesto requires a lot of basil which makes its super fresh. The flavor is unmatched. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also enhances the freshness.
• Simple to make – Pesto can be ready in just a few minutes. Add the ingredients into a blender, turn it on for about 10 seconds, stir in Parmesan cheese and you’re done!
• Versatile – Pesto is often served over pasta, but it can also be used in a variety of ways. I’ll share several ideas below!
• Beautiful – It’s so vibrant and adds so much color and appeal to food.

Ingredients for The Best Basil Pesto

• Fresh basil leaves: You need about 2 cups of fresh basil leaves. Hint:
• Olive oil – Olive oil helps bind the basil together. I like to use a mild extra virgin olive oil.
• Pine nuts – Pine nuts help create a smooth texture and are mild in flavor.
• Minced garlic – Garlic adds a nice sharp flavor that balances the sweetness and richness of the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese and olive oil.
• Salt – A little salt enhances all the flavors.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan cheese is folded in after everything has been blended together. It adds a salty nutty flavor.
• Lemon juice – Lemon juice is optional, but I found that it really enhanced the overall flavor and made it even more fresh.
• Butter (if using it as a sauce for pasta) – Adding a few tablespoons of butter creates a rich sauce that’s delicious over pasta.

How to Make Basil Pesto – It’s so easy!

1. First, add fresh basil, olive oil, lemon juice, pine nuts, garlic and salt to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth. About 10 seconds.
3. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Add room temperature cubed butter if serving over pasta. The butter adds richness to the sauce.

Unique Ways to Use Basil Pesto

The ideas on how to use basil pesto are endless. Truly they are! Here a few that I think are easy and approachable!

• On a grilled cheese: Slather the pesto on bread with tomato and mozzarella. Grill until crispy and golden. I’ve actually done this – here’s the recipe!
• Pizza base: Instead of tomato sauce, use pesto! Top with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula.
• Marinade: Use it to marinate chicken or even steak. It would also be wonderful brushed on fish and shrimp.
• Salad dressing – Whisk pesto with balsamic vinegar and a little more olive oil for a quick salad dressing.
• Potatoes – Drizzle it over roasted potatoes or stir it into mashed potatoes for a color and savory upgrade.
• Grilled vegetables – Drizzle over grilled vegetables, like eggplant, zucchini, squash, bell peppers and asparagus.
• Pasta salads – Stir it into your favorite Italian style pasta salads. A spoonful mixed with mayonnaise would be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does homemade pesto last? It typically lasts about a week refrigerated. It should be stored in an airtight container. I like to store mine in a mason jar.
2. How do I prevent homemade pesto from browning? Add a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing it and refrigerating it.
3. Does pesto go bad? Yes it can.
4. Do I have to use pine nuts in pesto? Nope! You can leave them out if you are nut free. Good alternatives would be almonds and walnuts.
5. Can I freeze homemade pesto? Sure can! It freezes well for 2-3 months. It can be stored in a freezer bag – suck the air out and store it flat. Or a freezer friendly container can be used.

Final Thoughts

You can’t go wrong with making a batch of Homemade Basil Pesto. It truly is so delicious, easy and versatile. If you decide to make a batch, consider meal prepping for the week with it! There are several ways to use it beyond pasta. It’s a sauce/condiment that elevates all types of dishes leaving you freshly satisfied!

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Homemade Basil Pesto

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Homemade Basil Pesto is a vibrant flavor-packed sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and parmesan cheese. It's incredibly versatile!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, snipped
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (walnuts or almonds would work, too)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 garlic cloves)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons room temperature butter (for pasta sauce)

Instructions

1. Add basil, olive oil, lemon juice, pine nuts, minced garlic and salt to a blender.
2. Blend for about 10 seconds or until smooth.
3. Pour into a bowl and fold in parmesan cheese.
4. If using over pasta, add room temperature butter and pour over hot pasta.

Notes

Pesto will last up to a week refrigerated. It can be frozen for 2-3 months.

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