Homemade Basil Pesto

About This Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe

Fresh basil pesto is one of the best summer condiments you can make. It’s aromatic, bright green, deeply savory, and incredibly versatile. Whether your basil comes from the garden, a farmers market, or the grocery store, homemade pesto tastes worlds better than anything jarred. You can make it in a food processor, blender, or with a mortar and pestle for a more rustic texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 5 minutes

• Super fresh and aromatic

• Uses real Parmigiano Reggiano for depth

• Customizable texture — chunky or smooth

• Freezer-friendly

• Perfect on pasta, sandwiches, pizza, eggs, and grilled veggies

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Fresh basil

• Garlic

• Pine nuts (or toasted walnuts)

• Parmigiano Reggiano

• Olive oil

• Salt & pepper

How to Make It

Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmigiano Reggiano in a food processor until chopped. Slowly stream in olive oil while blending until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Success

• Add salt at the end — Parmesan already brings a lot of salt

• Use high-quality olive oil

• Taste and adjust garlic based on preference

• If pesto darkens, stir in a splash of lemon juice

• For a looser pesto, add more olive oil

• For a chunkier pesto, pulse instead of fully blending

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze pesto?
Yes — freeze in small containers or ice cube trays.

Can I use different nuts?
Yes, toasted walnuts, almonds, or cashews all work.

Why does my pesto turn brown?
Basil oxidizes. Add a splash of lemon juice or press plastic wrap directly on the surface.

Can I make pesto without cheese?
Yes, substitute nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

What to Serve With Homemade Pesto

• Pasta

• Chicken or fish

• Sandwiches and wraps

• Eggs (fried, scrambled, or hard-boiled)

• Pizza

• Roasted or grilled vegetables

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Creamy Pesto Pasta

• Ina Garten Lasagna

• Spicy Vodka Pasta (Carbone Copycat)

• Pesto Sausage Lasagna

• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs

• The BEST Lasagna

• Salmon Wellington

Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe

Ingredients
Makes about 2 cups of pesto

• 4–5 cups fresh basil

• 6 large garlic cloves

• ⅔ cup pine nuts

• 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

• 1 cup olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Add basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmigiano Reggiano to a food processor.

2. Pulse several times to break everything down, then process continuously.

3. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream.

4. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed and continue blending until smooth.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to use.