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    Pinch Me Good! » Dressings And Sauces » Easy Homemade Pesto Recipe

    Easy Homemade Pesto Recipe

    September 23, 2017 by Amy Estes 2 Comments

    200 shares
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    Round white bowl of spaghetti with a pile of green pesto sauce on top if it with a jar of pesto and sliced lemons behind it on a white surface
    Glass jar of green basil pesto with a blue spoon in it with some nuts and lemon around the bottom of the jar
    Close up shot of basil pesto in a jar wtj grated lemon zest and red pepper flakes on top of it
    Round jar filled with green pesto topped with lemon zest and nuts with more sliced lemon and nuts behind it

    Please note that some of the links are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links.

    This is a Simple Homemade Pesto Recipe that comes together in less than 5 minutes and is packed with incredible flavor. Basil, lemon, garlic, pistachios, parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper make up this amazing sauce. It makes a perfect topping on pizza, pasta, or even sandwiches.

    Round jar filled with green pesto topped with lemon zest and nuts with more sliced lemon and nuts behind it
    This is one of the easiest Homemade Pesto Recipes you can make and store in the refrigerator to have on hand for so many OTHER recipes during the week.  It is similar to this easy incredible beet pesto that is also crazy good and SO good for you!

    Making your own pesto is quite easy and is great for meal prep since it stores for up to 5 days in the refrigerator for topping on chicken breast, fish, pasta and pizza. 

    My favorite uses for this Easy Homemade Pesto Sauce are obviously pasta but also on pizza and sandwiches.  It also makes a great finish to any bowl of soup!  A little thing I like to add that seems to bring an element of surprise every time!

    Close up shot of basil pesto in a jar wtj grated lemon zest and red pepper flakes on top of it

    The fresh herby taste of the basil and then the garlic and lemon in the background make this a homemade pesto sauce recipe one that you cannot wait to make.  Oh, and if you feel like reaching for the store-bought version, you never will again once you try this super easy recipe!

    Why you will love this recipe

    • You can make it in 5 minutes or less
    • It stores great so it is a perfect meal prep recipe
    • Great for topping on salads, soups, sandwiches, meat, pasta and pizza
    • It also works as a great dip for veggies and pita chips
    • Packed with nutrition like vitamins A and C
    • This is a pesto recipe without any pine nuts!

    What is pesto?

    Pesto is a bright green sauce made with mostly fresh basil leaves, garlic, nuts, parmesan cheese, lemon and olive oil.  It originated in Italy to use as a topping on pasta and pizza. 

    Traditionally pesto is blended by adding all ingredients to a bowl and breaking it down with a mortar and pestle.  This recipe is made a little easier by using a food processor to blend the ingredients. 

    Ingredients needed to make this recipe

    White bowl filled with green basil leaves with a bowl of olive oil, pistachios and parmesan cheese in front of it with with a sliced lemon next to it

    How to Make Homemade Basil Pesto Sauce

    1. Add fresh basil, garlic, lemon, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to a food processor and pulse while streaming in the olive oil.  
    2. Once combined, add in the nuts and pulse a few more times to incorporate them in the sauce. 
    Pulse to combine ingredients while streaming in the olive oil
    Toss in the nuts and pulse a few times to combine

    For the full list and amounts of ingredients along with complete recipe instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this post. 

    How easy was that was?  Plus its simply delicious!

    Glass jar of green basil pesto with a blue spoon in it with some nuts and lemon around the  bottom of the jar

    Is pesto healthy?

    Pesto is made with so many healthy ingredients like fresh basil, bright lemon, olive oil, garlic and pistachios that are packed with vitamins like Vitamin A and C as well as antioxidants.  

    Pesto is loaded with vibrant flavor and is a great healthy addition to any meal. 

    Can you freeze Homemade pesto?

    Yes you can freeze pesto!  The best way to freeze pesto is to omit the oil and use more lemon juice or water to thin out the sauce.  Then pour it into ice cube trays and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.  

    When ready to use, remove it from the freezer and defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. 

    Round white bowl of spaghetti with a pile of green pesto sauce on top if it with a jar of pesto and sliced lemons behind it on a white surface

    Homemade basil pesto recipe tips

    • Use fresh basil.  Dried basil will not work in this recipe, fresh basil is a must!
    • Blend the pesto first then add in the nuts for a slight chunkier pesto
    • Make this recipe vegan by using nutritional yeast  or vegan parmesan cheese in place of the parmesan cheese 
    • Store this pesto in an airtight container or jar fitted with a lid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

    Delicious ways to use pesto

    Pesto Quinoa with Roasted Veggies

    Chickpeas and Greens Buddha Bowl

    Incredible Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

    More healthy sauces and dips to try!

    • 5 Minute Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing
    • Homemade Romesco Sauce
    • Creamy Green Goddess Dressing
    • Homemade San Marzano Tomato Sauce 
    • Easy Homemade Fresh Tomato Salsa
    • Best Hummus Recipe

    Round plate of spaghetti topped with chunky homemade basil pesto recipe with a jar of the pesto behind it and sliced lemon next to it

    Did you try this recipe? If you did then please give it a shoutout below by adding a comment and rating.

    Print
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    Round jar filled with green pesto topped with lemon zest and nuts with more sliced lemon and nuts behind it

    Easy Homemade Pesto Recipe


    ★★★★★

    5 from 2 reviews

    • Author: Amy Estes
    • Total Time: 5 minutes
    • Yield: 6 people 1x
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This is a Simple Homemade Pesto Recipe that comes together in less than 5 minutes and is packed with incredible flavor. Basil, lemon, garlic, pistachios, parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper make up this amazing sauce. Perfect on pizza, pasta, or even sandwiches.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 4 ounces fresh basil leaves – about 2 cups packed leaves
    • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
    • 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
    • 1 tbsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice plus zest for extra lemony flavor
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 1/3 cup olive oil
    • 1/4 cup shelled pistachios or walnuts

    Instructions

    1. Add the basil, parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper to the bowl of a food processor and pulse on high while streaming in the olive oil until fully combined into a smooth, slightly chunky sauce.
    2. Add in the pistachios and pulse a few times to incorporate.
    3. Serve as a dip, or topping on pizza, pasta, or sandwiches

    Equipment

    Image of food processor

    food processor

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    • Use fresh basil.  Dried basil will not work in this recipe, fresh basil is a must!
    • Blend the pesto first then add in the nuts for a slight chunkier pesto
    • Make this recipe vegan by using nutritional yeast  or vegan parmesan cheese in place of the parmesan cheese 
    • Store this pesto in an airtight container or jar fitted with a lid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Category: Snack
    • Method: Blended
    • Cuisine: Italian

    Keywords: pesto recipe, basil

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @pinchmegoodfood on Instagram and hashtag it #pinchmegoodfood

    Crustless Asparagus Quiche – With Mushrooms »

    Filed Under: Dressings And Sauces, Gluten-Free

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alda

      September 26, 2020 at 4:16 pm

      Spot on with this write-up, I truly feel this website needs a lot more attention. I’ll probably be
      back again to read more, thanks for the info!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. normal dose of cialis

      January 18, 2022 at 1:03 pm

      Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a material!

      present here at this blog, thanks admin of this
      web page.

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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    I'm Amy and I'm so excited to share my best healthy recipes and tips with you. I hope I can inspire you to eat better, feel better, and get back in the kitchen. Read More…

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