Basil Pesto

Basil Pesto

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Serves 1 cup
This classic basil pesto recipe is nutty and bright. We love it on pasta, pizza, and more! See the post above for my favorite pesto sauce variations.

Equipment

  • Food Processor (I swear by my Cuisinart one for a smooth consistency!)

Ingredients

Basic Basil Pesto:

  • ½ cup toasted pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for a smoother pesto
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

  • In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper and pulse until well chopped.
  • Add the basil and pulse until combined.
  • With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until combined. Add the Parmesan cheese, if using, and pulse to briefly combine. For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil.