Description
Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor, this Easiest Basil Pesto Sauce is the perfect solution for quick meals, healthy snacks, or easy dinner ideas. Made with fresh basil, rich olive oil, nutty Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts, this easy recipe comes together in minutes—no cooking required. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or stirring it into soups, this fresh pesto delivers a gourmet touch with minimal effort. It’s also a great make-ahead sauce that freezes beautifully for later use. Perfect for anyone looking for fast food ideas with fresh, vibrant taste.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
1. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden, stirring frequently. Let them cool.
2. Add basil, cooled pine nuts, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Add Parmesan cheese and pulse again to combine evenly.
4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
5. Add salt and lemon juice (if using), then pulse one final time. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Use immediately or transfer to a sealed jar, covering the top with olive oil. Refrigerate or freeze as needed.
Notes
For best flavor and color, use only fresh, dry basil leaves.
To freeze, portion into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer to a sealed bag.
Toasting the pine nuts enhances the depth and richness of the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg