My Favorite Pesto Recipe

Bright, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavors, My Favorite Pesto Recipe is a must-try for any pesto lover. Made with fragrant basil leaves, toasty pine nuts, rich Parmesan cheese, and a zing of fresh lemon juice, this easy homemade pesto comes together in just 10 minutes. The secret to its velvety texture is a slow drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, which binds the ingredients into a perfectly creamy sauce. Elevate your meals by tossing it with pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a dip for crusty bread. This no-cook recipe is a versatile kitchen essential, ready to bring a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 0.33 cup Pine nuts
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 whole Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the fresh basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.

Step 2

Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and lemon juice.

Step 4

Pulse the ingredients a few times until roughly combined.

Step 5

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 6

Add the salt and black pepper, and process briefly to incorporate the seasonings. Adjust to taste if necessary.

Step 7

Transfer the finished pesto to a bowl or jar. Use it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	141.1 grams (141.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	487

Total Fat 42.80g	55%
Saturated Fat 10.20g	51%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.20g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 1862mg	81%
Total Carbohydrate 10.50g	4%
Dietary Fiber 3.30g	12%
Total Sugars 2.00g
Protein 23.90g	48%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 512mg	39%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 440mg	9%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 73.7%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 8.0%