Basil Pesto is a fresh, savory, and herbaceous oil-based sauce that is authentic to Italian cuisine. It is typically made with basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and basic seasonings. This homemade Basil Pesto is one of the best sauces that can elevate the taste of pasta dishes. It is also an essential sauce to make Pesto Pasta, Pesto Chicken Pasta, and Pesto Shrimp Pasta.
The recipe I am sharing here provides easy step-by-step instructions for making Basil Pesto at home. Additionally, I have included a detailed video tutorial to simplify the cooking process.
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What is Pesto?
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made with fresh herbs, nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It originated in the Liguria region of Italy and is commonly made with basil leaves, hence the name Basil Pesto. However, many variations of pesto use different herbs and nuts, such as walnut, almond, and pistachio.
Basil Pesto has a unique and exotic flavor that is fresh, aromatic, and slightly sweet. The consistency of the sauce can vary depending on personal preference, with some preferring a smooth and creamy texture, while others prefer a chunkier consistency.
Basil Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in many ways. It's one of the most commonly used pasta sauces in Italian cuisine or a spread for sandwiches. This sauce also adds great flavor to grilled, roasted, or baked meats, as well as roasted or baked vegetables and seafood recipes. The sauce's bold flavors can elevate a variety of dishes, making it a popular ingredient in many kitchens around the world.
Whether you're looking to whip up a quick and easy dinner or add some flavor to your favorite dishes or try your hand at making some delicious Italian recipes, this Basil Pesto sauce is a perfect choice. With its vibrant green color and fresh herbaceous flavor, it's sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try and see how this delicious sauce can take your meals to the next level?
Ingredients and Substitutions
The ingredients you will need for making Basil Pesto are basic and they are readily available in most grocery stores. Let's see what are they below.
- Basil Leaves - The star ingredient and it gives a fresh and aromatic flavor with a slightly sweet taste
- Garlic - Adds a pungent, savory flavor to the pesto sauce, making it more complex and flavorful
- Pine Nuts -Traditionally used in pesto and add a nutty flavor to the sauce. You can also use walnuts, almonds, or pistachios as a substitute
- Parmesan Cheese - It adds a salty, nutty flavor to the pesto sauce and helps to bind the ingredients together
- Lemon Juice - Gives a tangy and acidic flavor to the sauce, brightening up the flavors and adding freshness
- Olive Oil - It is the base of the pesto sauce and adds a fruity and grassy flavor to it
- Seasoning - Salt and black pepper are the basic seasonings that enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness and acidity
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Basil Pesto Sauce at Home?
The recipe I have shared is for Basil Pesto, a classic and traditional sauce from Italian cuisine. You can use this sauce as a dip, spread, or to make pasta and salads. It's vibrant and fresh, giving your dishes an extra kick of flavor. Its distinctive green color and bold flavor make it a versatile and popular choice in many dishes.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Clean - To start making this delicious and flavorful Basil Pesto Sauce, it is important to begin by cleaning the basil leaves. This ensures that the pesto sauce has a fresh and vibrant taste. To clean the basil leaves, carefully examine each leaf for any signs of spoilage or discoloration. Remove any spoiled leaves and discard them. Wash them thoroughly and air dry them
- Gather the Ingredients - Next, gather all the necessary ingredients and place them in a blender jar. These ingredients include loosely packed basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, black pepper powder, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil
- Blend - Once the ingredients are in the blender jar, it's time to blend them to create a smooth and creamy pesto sauce. Blended the ingredients until they have combined into a smooth, creamy sauce
- Pulsing method - Alternatively, the basil, nuts, cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper can be initially pulsed several times. Gradually adding the olive oil in batches can create a chunkier basil pesto
- Use or Store - You can use this Basil Pesto Sauce to enhance the flavors of various dishes. It pairs perfectly with pasta dishes such as pesto pasta, chicken pesto pasta, and shrimp pesto pasta. It also tastes great as a spread for sandwiches or bread, or as a dressing for pesto salads. If you are planning to store, please check out the storage suggestions below
Tips
- Basil - Although I have used basil leaves to make this Pesto, you can also experiment with different herbs such as mint, coriander, parsley, or even kale for unique variations
- Best Flavor - To achieve the best flavor, it's essential to add the correct ratio of ingredients. Be sure to measure the ingredients accurately and adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Blending or Pulsing - The texture of the pesto sauce can vary depending on your preference. If you prefer a creamy consistency, blend the ingredients until smooth. However, if you prefer a chunkier consistency, pulse the ingredients several times before adding the olive oil. You can add the oil in batches to achieve the desired texture.
- Storage - Pesto sauce stays goods in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's important to store it properly to prevent it from spoiling.
- Usage - Basil Pesto is a versatile sauce that you can use in various dishes. It's perfect for pasta dishes, roasted or grilled meats, and seafood like salmon. You can also use it as a spread for bread or sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor
Storage Suggestions
You can also store this basil pesto in a closed, airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Basil can tend to turn black when exposed to air, so it is important to ensure that it is stored in a tightly sealed container. Alternatively, you can cover the top layer of the pesto with plastic wrap before closing and storing the container.
Serving Suggestions
Basil pesto is a sauce that can complement a wide range of dishes. Some popular serving options include:
- Pasta Dishes: Basil pesto is a classic sauce for pasta dishes. You can serve it with any type of pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne
- Salad: As a salad dressing or a topping for a green salad. You can also mix it with vegetables or grains to create a pesto salad
- Sandwich: Use it as a spread for sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. It adds a fresh and flavorful element to any sandwich
- Pizza: Pesto can be used as a sauce for pizza instead of traditional tomato sauce. It pairs well with toppings like tomatoes, mozzarella, and grilled chicken
- Roasted or baked meats: It can be a great marinade for meats like roasted chicken, steak, baked salmon, or grilled salmon. It adds a fresh and herby flavor to the dish
Related Recipes
You can also find similar sauce recipes below and more at Italian recipes and dips & condiments.
- Pesto Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Pasta Sauce
- Marinara Sauce
- Alfredo Sauce
- Garlic Butter Sauce
- Bechamel Sauce
Basil Pesto Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Basil Pesto recipe below that I hope will make a delicious sauce at home. You can also find this recipe in story format.
📖 Recipe
Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 3 cups Basil Leaves, loosely packed
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- ½ cup Pine Nuts, toasted or sub with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 3 Garlic cloves
- ½ tsp Black Pepper , ground
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
To make Basil Pesto
- First, start by cleaning your basil leaves, carefully checking for any spoiled leaves and discarding them
- Next, in a blender jar, add the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, black pepper powder, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil
- Close the blender jar with its lid and blend the ingredients until they turn smooth. Note that you can also initially pulse the basil, nuts, cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper several times, then gradually add the olive oil in batches for chunkier basil pesto. However, in this recipe, I have blended everything together to achieve a creamy and smooth pesto sauce
To Use
- This delicious and creamy Basil Pesto Sauce can be used to make various dishes such as pesto pasta, chicken pesto pasta, shrimp pesto pasta, sandwiches, as a spread for bread, or pesto salads
Video
Notes
- Basil - Although this Pesto Sauce is traditionally made with basil leaves, you can also experiment with different herbs such as mint, coriander, parsley, or even kale for unique variations.
- Best Flavor - To achieve the best flavor, it's essential to add the correct ratio of ingredients. Be sure to measure the ingredients accurately and adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Blending or Pulsing - The texture of the pesto sauce can vary depending on your preference. If you prefer a creamy consistency, blend the ingredients until smooth. However, if you prefer a chunkier consistency, pulse the ingredients several times before adding the olive oil. You can add the oil in batches to achieve the desired texture.
- Storage - Pesto sauce stays goods in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's important to store it properly to prevent it from spoiling.
- Usage - Basil Pesto is a versatile sauce that you can use in various dishes. It's perfect for pasta dishes, roasted or grilled meats, and seafood like salmon. You can also use it as a spread for bread or sandwiches for an extra burst of flavor
Nutrition
FAQ
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made with fresh herbs, nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It originated in the Liguria region of Italy and is commonly made with basil leaves. However, many variations of pesto use different herbs and nuts, such as walnut, almond, and pistachio.
Basil Pesto is a fresh, aromatic, and slightly sweet Italian sauce loaded with exotic flavors. It is typically made with basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and basic seasonings. It is one of the best sauces that can elevate the taste of pasta dishes, grilled meats, veggies, and seafood.
The consistency of Pesto Sauce is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse the ingredients in a food processor for less time. For a smoother texture, blend the ingredients for a longer time.
Basil Pesto is a versatile sauce that can elevate the taste of pasta, pizza, and grilled veggies and meats. You can also use it as a spread or dipping sauce for bread and sandwiches.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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