Basil Pesto

Name: Basil Pesto
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 0.5 cup toasted pine nuts; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 small garlic clove; 0.25 teaspoon sea salt; freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups basil leaves; 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for a smoother pesto); 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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.

Prep5 min

Serves1

Italian

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.