Go Back
Print

Easy Homemade Pesto

Servings 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 3 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. In a high quality blender or food processor, blend everything together except for the olive oil, salt and pepper.

  2. While still mixing, slowly pour in the olive oil (you may have to scrape down the sides a few times). Continue mixing until it's well incorporated. 

  3. Add the salt and pepper, and blend again for 5-10 seconds. 

  4. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

  1. Freeze anything that you don't plan on using within a week in an ice cube tray (greased or lined with plastic wrap), and then transfer over to a freezer bag once frozen. This way you can thaw individual servings!
  2. You can replace the pine nuts with walnuts, almonds or cashews if you would prefer.  
  3. To make it vegan, replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast (or simply leave it out).

How to use pesto beyond pasta? So many delicious ways.

  • Spread it on a sandwich or flatbread (or mix it with mayo)
  • Serve it as an appetizer spread with crackers and cheese
  • Mix it into ranch or Italian salad dressing to jazz them up
  • Toss it with veggies in place of butter
  • Spread it on toast topped with tomato slices and avocado
  • Mix it into sour cream, greek yogurt or hummus for an easy dip
  • Use it as a pizza sauce 
  • Spread it on a quesadilla or grilled cheese
  • Use it to top steak, grilled chicken or even french fries