Fresh Garlic Basil Pesto with Ingredients

Garlic Basil Pesto Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Basil Pesto is a classic sauce that embodies the vibrant, earthy flavors of fresh basil, the nuttiness of pine nuts, the richness of Parmesan, and the boldness of garlic. It’s a quick, versatile, and healthy addition to countless dishes. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a marinade, this pesto will elevate your meals in seconds. Plus, it’s simple to make, stores beautifully, and can be customized to your taste preferences. Let’s dive into the perfect recipe for this green gold!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

To make a batch of Garlic Basil Pesto, you’ll need:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (or substitute walnuts or almonds)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for storing)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

These simple, high-quality ingredients ensure that every spoonful bursts with flavor.

Directions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients
    Wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry thoroughly. This step is crucial to avoid adding excess water to the pesto.
  2. Toast the Nuts (Optional)
    In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts until golden brown. This enhances their flavor but is optional.
  3. Blend the Pesto
    • Add basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.
    • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor runs, blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
    • If using lemon juice, add it at the end and pulse once or twice.
  4. Taste and Adjust
    Taste your pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more garlic for pungency, Parmesan for saltiness, or olive oil for a thinner consistency.
  5. Store the Pesto
    Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container, smoothing the top. Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to prevent oxidation, which keeps the pesto vibrant green.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes approximately 1 cup of pesto, enough to coat 1 pound of pasta or serve 4-6 people.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: None
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or an effortless addition to your weekly meal prep.

Variations

  • Nut-Free: Replace the pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative.
  • Dairy-Free/Vegan: Substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese to create a vegan pesto.
  • Herb Mix: Combine basil with other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for a unique flavor twist.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small jalapeño for heat.
  • Zesty Lemon: Increase the lemon juice for a tangier pesto.

Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Storage and Reheating

  1. Refrigerator: Store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Always add a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve its vibrant color and flavor.
  2. Freezer: Pesto freezes beautifully! Pour it into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within 3 months for optimal flavor.
  3. Reheating: Pesto doesn’t require reheating. If using with pasta, simply toss it with hot, freshly cooked pasta, and the heat will naturally warm the sauce.
garlic basil pesto: fresh basil leaves being added to a food

FAQs

1. Can I make pesto without a food processor?
Yes! You can use a mortar and pestle for a traditional, rustic texture. It’s more labor-intensive but delivers unmatched flavor.

2. Why did my pesto turn brown?
Exposure to air causes oxidation, leading to discoloration. Always store pesto with a layer of olive oil on top to prevent this.

3. Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is essential for the best flavor and texture. Dried basil won’t yield the same vibrant results.

4. What else can I use pesto for besides pasta?
Pesto is incredibly versatile. Use it as a pizza base, sandwich spread, marinade for chicken or fish, or even as a salad dressing when thinned with vinegar.

5. Can I substitute the nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews work beautifully. Each nut brings a slightly different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Garlic Basil Pesto is a game-changer in the kitchen, delivering bold, fresh flavors in just minutes. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and endless customization options make it a must-have recipe in every cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a bowl of pasta or add a gourmet touch to your meal, this pesto has got you covered. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a household favorite!

Additional Recipes to Complement Your Pesto Creations

If you’re inspired by this Garlic Basil Pesto Recipe, consider exploring other flavorful dishes that pair beautifully with pesto or bring similar Italian zest to your meals. Here are a few suggestions:

Create a complete Mediterranean-inspired menu by including Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken. Its tender and flavorful profile complements the vibrant basil pesto.

Enhance your pesto pasta night with the creamy and savory tones of Garlic Parmesan Creamy Mushroom Rice Soup. This dish pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of fresh pesto.

For a hearty main course, try Garlic Butter Chicken, a succulent dish that benefits from a dollop of pesto on the side.

Print
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Fresh Garlic Basil Pesto with Ingredients

Garlic Basil Pesto Recipe

  • Author: Meryem
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
Print Recipe

Description

Garlic Basil Pesto is a simple yet flavorful sauce that combines fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create a vibrant, versatile condiment. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a topping for chicken and fish, this homemade pesto elevates any dish with its bold, fresh flavors. With just a few quality ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious and healthy addition to your meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (or substitute walnuts or almonds)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for storage)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Ingredients
    • Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly to prevent water from diluting the pesto.
  • Toast the Nuts (Optional)
    • In a skillet over medium heat, toast pine nuts until golden. Allow to cool.
  • Blend the Pesto
    • Add basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse to combine.
    • While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
    • If using lemon juice, add it last and pulse briefly.
  • Taste and Adjust
    • Adjust salt, pepper, or Parmesan to taste.
  • Store the Pesto
    • Transfer to a jar, smooth the top, and add a thin layer of olive oil to preserve freshness.

Notes

This Garlic Basil Pesto is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients from the fresh basil and healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts. Adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs, and enjoy this versatile recipe!

  • Cook Time: 10 minutes.
  • Category: Lunch

Nutrition

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g