Learn how to make a Fresh Basil Pesto in 3 easy steps. In this Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you how to make this classic Italian spread so that it’s perfectly balanced and delicious!
Basics by The BakerMama
Welcome to Basics by The BakerMama! I created this how-to series to help beginner cooks hone their skills, make the most of their time in the kitchen, and create great family memories. I hope you enjoy!
Presto, You’ve Got Pesto!
With a few basic ingredients and three easy steps you can make Fresh Basil Pesto with a nutty, salty, bright flavor that makes this spread such a classic. Rich parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt and oil in a food processor and presto! You’ve got pesto!
Pesto is so versatile! For a meal, I love to use it as a sauce for a basic pasta dish. If I’m feeling snacky, I simply smear it on a piece of crostini. Balance this salty, herby spread with sweet corn, fresh peaches, or cheese to make a meal or a snack that truly satisfies your senses.
My Favorite Ways to Serve Pesto
- Pesto Rice Salad: Fresh roasted corn, cherry tomatoes, and goat cheese crumbles make this savory Pesto Rice Salad bright and flavorful. The perfect simple side dish that everyone will love!
- Pesto Parmesan Grilled Corn: For a zesty summer side dish, this Pesto Parmesan Grilled Corn hits all the right notes. Sweet corn, nutty pesto, savory parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. It’s perfection!
- Grilled Brie with Peaches and Pesto: Sweet, juicy peaches, nutty pesto and melty, mellow brie. Meet your new summer grilling obsession!
- Chicken Pesto Peach Panini: The perfect summer panini filled with pesto, sweet peaches, juicy chicken and lots of melting cheese. Fresh, fabulous and so full of flavor!
What Do I Need to Make Fresh Basil Pesto?
- Fresh basil
- Pine nuts
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Food processor or blender
How to Make Fresh Basil Pesto
- Combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon juice and salt in a food processor or blender and pulse until well combined.
- Add the olive oil and continue to pulse/blend, scraping down the sides as needed, until smooth.
- Season with more salt to taste.
More Basics to Better Your Baking
Get the most out of your time in the kitchen with these how-to basics:
- Roast a Head of Garlic: Bring out the slightly sweet, caramelized garlic flavor you love so much. Whether you want to add more flavor layers to your favorite recipes or just enjoy it on its own, roasted garlic packs a punch!
- Bake a Sweet Potato: Learn how to bake a sweet potato with a delicately crisp skin and a tender, hot center. Learn simple, tried-and-true steps to getting the perfectly baked sweet potato every
- Make an Omelet: With easy to follow instructions and tips on all the yummiest fillers, you can make the perfect omelet every time.
- Make Ground Beef for Tacos: No seasoning packet needed! In this Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you how to make perfectly-seasoned ground beef for your favorite tacos.
- Bake Crostini: Crisp, crunchy and ready for enjoying! Layered with your favorite toppings, scooped into a tasty dip or on their own, these baked crostini are perfect for snacking.
How to Store Pesto
Store leftover pesto in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
To freeze pesto, store in a freezer safe baggie or freezer safe container for up to 6 months. Pesto frozen in glass containers should be good for up to 9 months.
I hope you find these simple basics helpful! When you make something with the help of my BakerMama’s Basics series, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see and others can be inspired! Enjoy!
xoxo,
How to Make Fresh Basil Pesto
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon juice and salt in a food processor or blender and pulse until well combined.
- Add the olive oil and continue to pulse/blend, scraping down the sides as needed, until smooth. Season with more salt to taste.
