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Dinner

Classic Homemade Basil Pesto

This vibrant basil pesto is the perfect way to use up a big harvest of fresh herbs for a sauce you will love all week.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· July 17, 2026
Classic Homemade Basil Pesto
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
5 minutes
Total
15 minutes
Serves
6

Basil is truly the star of the summer kitchen. I love how it adds a bright and peppery freshness to everything from simple sandwiches to rich grilled meats. When my herb garden starts growing fast, this pesto is the first thing I reach for to make sure nothing goes to waste.

Making your own pesto is so much better than store bought jars. You can adjust the garlic and salt to your own taste, and the color stays a beautiful bright green. It keeps well in the fridge, so you have a quick flavor booster ready for any meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Toast the pine nuts in a small pan over medium heat until they are lightly golden and fragrant, then set them aside to cool.

  2. 2

    Combine the basil leaves, toasted nuts, and garlic in a food processor or blender.

  3. 3

    Pulse the mixture a few times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.

  4. 4

    With the machine running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

  5. 5

    Add the grated Parmesan cheese and pulse just until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. 6

    Transfer to a jar or bowl and serve immediately or store it for later.

💡 Tips

Store leftover pesto in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to five days with a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it green. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy portions to drop into soups or pasta later in the year.

#Vegetarian#Gluten Free#Healthy#Sauce#Easy

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