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Fresh Basil Pesto

Toasting the nuts first gives this bright green pesto a warm, rounded undertone. The food processor turns them into a smooth paste before the herbs go in, so the sauce stays lively and lush.

Fresh Basil Pesto
Recipe link
Prep time15 min
Cook time5 min
Total time20 MINUTES
Course
Condiments
Cuisine
Italian, Vegetarian
Difficulty
Easy
Est. calories / serving
72

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basil (lightly packed)
  • 2 tablespoons parsley
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts (toasted)
  • 1 tablespoon walnuts (toasted)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (coarse, freshly cracked)

Instructions

Instructions

  1. Toast the Nuts: Heat the pine nuts and walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly.2 tbsp pine nuts, 1 tbsp walnuts
  2. Blend the Nuts: Add the toasted nuts to a food processor. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth, butter-like paste forms.toasted nuts, ⅓ cup olive oil
  3. Add the Herbs: Add the basil, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.1 cup basil, 2 tbsp parsley, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp lemon juice
  4. Season the Pesto: Add the kosher salt and black pepper. Pulse a few more times and taste, adjusting the seasoning if needed.½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
  5. Serve or Store: Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container. Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before refrigerating to help preserve its bright green color.

Notes

  • Toast the Nuts: Toasting the nuts deepens their flavor and gives the pesto a richer, more complex taste.
  • Don't Overprocess: Blend just until smooth. Overprocessing can warm the basil and dull its fresh flavor.
  • Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.
  • Serving Suggestions: Toss with pasta, spread on sandwiches, spoon over grilled vegetables, swirl into soups, or use as a pizza sauce.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

Yield

About 1 cup pesto — Serving size: 1 tablespoon

Calories
72
Carbohydrates
1 g
Protein
1 g
Fat
7 g
Saturated Fat
1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1 g
Monounsaturated Fat
5 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
74 mg
Potassium
42 mg
Fiber
0 g
Total Sugars
0 g
Vitamin A
485 IU
Vitamin C
3 mg
Calcium
18 mg
Iron
0.4 mg

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Small skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Airtight storage container

Full recipe: https://gbbutterclub.com/recipes/fresh-basil-pesto/