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Easy Pesto Recipe

Delicious Easy Pesto Recipe in Just 10 Minutes

This Easy Pesto Recipe transforms fresh basil into a vibrant sauce in just 10 minutes, perfect for pasta, chicken, and pizza.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Featured Recipes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Fresh Basil The star of this Easy Pesto Recipe, densely packed leaves impart vibrant flavor.
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese Opt for finely grated, high-quality cheese to enrich your pesto with umami notes.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed juice brightens the sauce; you won't want to skip it!
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic enhances the depth of flavor; don't be timid with it!
  • 1 pinch Salt A little salt balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste—adjust to your liking.
  • ½ cup Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil adds healthy fats and is preferred for its robust flavor.
  • ¼ cup Pine Nuts These contribute a creamy texture when blended; for a twist, try toasting them first!
Optional Variations
  • Marjoram and Parsley Mix these herbs in place of basil for a unique, fresh twist on the classic pesto.
  • Arugula or Spinach Substituting these greens can provide a lovely variation in flavor.
  • Walnuts or Sunflower Seeds Use these instead of pine nuts for a nut-free version that still delivers on taste.

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Frying pan

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by placing ¼ cup of pine nuts in a small, ungreased frying pan over medium heat. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they're golden brown and aromatic.
  2. Gather your ingredients: 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, ¼ cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves, a pinch of salt, and ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil.
  3. In a high-powered blender or food processor, add the cooled pine nuts, fresh basil, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Blend these ingredients on medium speed for about 30 seconds to a minute.
  4. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Blend until the mixture reaches your desired consistency, typically around 1-2 minutes.
  5. Once blended, taste your Easy Basil Pesto for seasoning. Adjust with more salt or a touch more lemon juice if needed.
  6. Serve your Easy Basil Pesto immediately over hot pasta, grilled chicken, or as a tasty spread on pizza.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 50mgVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 100mg

Notes

To enjoy for longer, store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 9 months.

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