How To Make An Easy Pesto Recipe

This easy pesto recipe is the perfect way to use up all that fresh basil from your summer garden. Nothing beats fresh pesto and it goes great with fish, pasta, chicken, pizza, and bread.

Below are some tips for how to make this easy pesto recipe. The full printable recipe is located at the bottom of this page.

Tips For How To Make Easy Pesto Recipe

1. Wash you fresh basil with cold water before you add it to the food processor or blender to get any little bugs and dirt off.
2. You can use either a food processor or a blender for this recipe. You will just have to use a rubber spatula to push the ingredients down toward the blade more often if you use a blender.
3. Don’t add all the ingredients into the food processor or blender at once. Add the basil, nuts, salt, and garlic and stop once they are finely chopped. Then slowly add the oil while pulsing and finally the cheese until it is fully incorporated. The pesto should be slightly chunky, not totally smooth.
4. For storing your pesto, place it in an airtight container and pour some extra oil on top so air can’t turn the pesto brown. You can also freeze your pesto in ziplock bags, ice cube trays, or a plastic container. Remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature to thaw before use.
5. You can use any nut you prefer. See below for more details.

What Can I Use Instead Of Pine Nuts In Pesto?

Good alternatives for pine nuts in pesto are: pistachios, almonds, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and cashews.

You can honestly use any nut in your pesto that your little heart desires. You’re the one that’s going to be eating it and just know that your pesto will take on the flavor of that specific nut.

If you want to try a recipe that includes pine nuts, here is a great Dandelion Pesto!

If you are sensitive to nuts, check out this Basil Pesto Recipe Without Nuts!

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Ingredients For Easy Pesto Recipe

• 2 cups fresh basil (stems removed)
• 1/4 cup pecans
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2-3 garlic cloves (depending on the size)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup avocado oil or olive oil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Materials You Might Need

• Food processor or blender
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Cheese grater
• Rubber spatula

How To Make Easy Pesto Recipe

Step 1

Wash your fresh basil in cold water removing any dirt or bugs. Pull off all the leaves and throw the stems away.

Step 2

Add to your food processor or blender 2 cups basil, 1/4 cup pecans, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2-3 garlic cloves depending on the size and how garlicky you want the sauce. Pulse until ingredients are finely chopped.

You can use a rubber spatula to push down the ingredients to the blade (while it’s off) if they are sticking to the side of the food processor or blender.

Step 3

Slowly add 1/2 cup avocado or olive oil, while pulsing, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. You don’t want to over blend the ingredients. Pesto should be slightly chunky. Add 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese and pulse until incorporated.

Step 4

Store in an airtight container and cover with additional oil so air can’t turn the pesto brown. Store in fridge for up to five days. You can also store pesto in a ziplock bag, plastic container, or ice cube tray and freeze it. If you freeze the pesto in an ice cube tray, once fully frozen, remove pesto from the tray and place cubes in a ziplock bag. Remove from freezer and let thaw at room temperature until ready for use.

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Until next time,

Ellen