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Top down shot of a jar of a homemade basil pesto recipe with a spoon sticking out.

Pesto Recipe (how to make pesto)

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  • Author: Erin Jensen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Counter Top
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Description

Pesto Recipe – learn how to make this homemade basil pesto with just a few simple ingredients! Perfect for pasta, sandwiches and more!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (more as needed)

Instructions

  1. Add ingredients to a small food processor or blender. 
  2. Blend until smooth
  3. Taste and add additional salt, as desired. Add additional olive oil, a tablespoon at a time, to thin. 

Notes

  • Storage: leftover pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, in an airtight container.  As it sits you will see a thin layer of olive oil rise to the top, just give it a stir and it’s ready to use.
  • Freezing: store in a freezer-safe container for 3-4 months.  Option to first put the pesto in ice cube trays, freeze, and then store the pesto cubes in a freezer bag and use as much as you need when you need it.
  • Dairy-Free: looking for a dairy-free version – try this Dairy-Free Pesto recipe!