Classic Basil Pesto Recipe
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: basil, pasta, pesto, pine nuts
Calories: 225kcal
Author: Angie
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:
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
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.
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