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Classic Basil Pesto Recipe

Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: basil, pasta, pesto, pine nuts
Calories: 225kcal
Author: Angie

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 kaleĀ 
  • 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