Classic Basil Pesto Recipe
Calories: 225kcal
Ingredients
Basic Basil Pesto:
- 3/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup olive oil (keep additional olive oil on hand if you want to have a smoother pesto)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese optional
- nutritional yeast (optional for vegans)
Variation: replace the basil with:
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Mint
Variation: in addition to the ingredients above
- 1 cup kale
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 roasted red bell pepper
- 5 artichoke hearts
- 4 soaked sun-dried tomatoes
Variation: replace the pine nuts with:
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
- Pepitas
- Pecans
- Sunflower seeds
- Hemp Seeds
Instructions
- Combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and pulse in a food processor until well chopped.
- Add the basil and pulse until combined.
- Drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until combined with the food processor running. Add the nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese, if using, and pulse to combine. For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil.
Nutrition
Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 81g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 1614mg | Potassium: 788mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 129IU | Vitamin C: 119mg | Calcium: 568mg | Iron: 5mg