Description
I make this Basil Pesto with Parmesan fresh, vibrant, and full of Italian-inspired flavor. Blending basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan creates a silky green sauce perfect for pasta, bread, and more. It’s quick, homemade, and irresistibly fresh.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Toast pine nuts until golden brown.
- Add basil, garlic, and pine nuts to a food processor.
- Pulse until roughly blended.
- Slowly add olive oil while blending.
- Add Parmesan cheese and blend again.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Adjust texture and taste as needed.
Notes
Use fresh basil for best flavor. Toast nuts for depth. Store pesto with olive oil layer on top. Can be frozen in small portions for later use. Substitute pine nuts with walnuts if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg