How to Make Basil Pesto

Top down view of components of basil pesto sitting in food processor waiting to be mixed up

How to Make Basil Pesto

Filled with super simple, yet fresh ingredients, basil pesto is so incredibly easy to make. Pine nuts, basil leaves, lemon juice, and Parmesan all come together to form a delicious spread that can be used for so many things!

Course Spreads

Cuisine Italian

Difficulty Easy

Method Mixing

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Servings servings

Calories 102kcal

Author Kaleb

Ingredients

1 ½ cups basil leaves picked off stems and loosely packed
6 garlic scapes (optional)
1 clove garlic
½ cup toasted pine nuts
¼ cup toasted walnuts
½ cup Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper (optional)
⅓ - ¾ cup olive oil

Instructions

In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients except for the olive oil. Pulse eight times to combine and break down the pesto.
With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil until it reaches the desired consistency.
To preserve, divide into jars. Pour a layer of olive over the top of the pesto. Cover to make airtight and store in the freezer. This keeps for up to one year in the freezer and three weeks in the refrigerator.

Video

Nutrition