The Best Classic Pesto

4.8
(4)

Peppery, tangy, creamy, and fresh-tasting — this pesto has it all. It's a great way to use up the bounty of your summer herb garden, and each batch will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks! Use it to dress up pasta, potatoes, eggs, sauces, marinades, or soups. Spread it on bread and top with grilled chicken and tomatoes for a delightful open-faced sandwich. Or, stir a spoonful into mayonnaise for a homemade pesto aioli.

1
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
1 cup
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 3 cups packed fresh basil leaves, washed and thoroughly dried

  • 2 large cloves garlic

  • ¼ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

  1. Pulse basil and garlic in a food processor about 8 times until finely chopped. Add toasted pine nuts and salt; turn processor on low and drizzle olive oil through the chute until everything is incorporated. Add Parmesan cheese and lemon juice; pulse 2 times.

    Homemade basil pesto in a clear glass bowl
    The Best Classic Pesto. Allrecipes

Cook's Notes:

Toast your pine nuts by placing them in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Cook, tossing often, until fragrant and very lightly toasted, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool before using.

If not using the pesto immediately, transfer to an airtight container, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top, and refrigerate until ready to use, It will last in the fridge up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

355 Calories
35g Fat
4g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 355
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35g 45%
Saturated Fat 6g 32%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 395mg 17%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Protein 7g 14%
Potassium 170mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.