Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe

Learn how to make Homemade Pesto with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and olive oil. This quick and classic pesto recipe is perfect for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, or freezing for later! This Quick Pesto Recipe comes together in just 10 minutes and with a handful of simple ingredients!

Author: Food with Feeling

Meal Type: Eggs Free

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: EASY

Prep. Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Calories: 167 kcal per serving

Ingredients

½ cup - pine nuts
3 clove - garlic*
1 - lemon
3 cups - fresh basil leaves
⅓ cup - parmesan cheese
⅓ cup - extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Add the pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until they are broken up – about 10 times.
Next, add the basil and parmesan and pulse until the basil is broken into small pieces – about 10 pulses.
With the food processor on low speed, slowly drizzle in ⅓ cup of olive oil. Add more olive oil as desired for a smoother consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garlic: you can leave it out all together or just add in as much as you’d like. I typically like a lot but anywhere between 1-5 cloves would work well.
Storage: Homemade pesto will stay fresh for about 5–7 days in an airtight container. Press a thin layer of olive oil on top to help prevent browning.

Nutrition