Pesto is a classic, flavorful sauce made with crushed pine nuts, fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s the perfect balance of nutty, herbaceous, and cheesy goodness. Whether tossed with pasta or used as a topping, pesto elevates any dish, like in my Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad—a must-try!
What is Pesto?
Pesto, meaning “to pound or crush,” traditionally refers to a sauce made by grinding ingredients with a mortar and pestle. The technique creates its signature smooth yet textured consistency. For convenience, many home cooks, including myself, use a food processor to achieve similar results. And while pasta is the most common use, pesto’s versatility goes far beyond that. Keep reading for creative ways to use it!
Key Ingredients for Perfect Pesto
- Pine Nuts: These buttery nuts lend creaminess to the sauce. Toast leftover pine nuts for a crunchy salad topping.
- Fresh Basil: Always rinse and dry basil leaves thoroughly before use. Remove stems to ensure a smooth blend.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan for the best flavor—pre-shredded cheese may not melt as evenly.
- Olive Oil: Opt for high-quality olive oil or extra virgin olive oil for a rich, authentic taste.
No Food Processor? No Problem!
You can use a mortar and pestle for a more traditional preparation. It takes a bit more effort but yields incredible texture and flavor. Alternatively, a blender can also work in a pinch.
Creative Serving Ideas
While pesto is famous as a pasta sauce, it shines in countless other dishes:
- Swirled into minestrone soup for added depth.
- Dolloped onto pizza for a burst of flavor.
- Mixed into scrambled eggs for a herby twist.
- Used as a dip for fresh vegetables.
Experiment with these ideas, and you’ll find yourself reaching for pesto more often!
With its bold flavors and simple ingredients, pesto is an unbeatable addition to your kitchen repertoire. Whether you’re keeping it traditional or trying out new uses, this versatile sauce is always a winner.
Storing Pesto
Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within 2–3 days to prevent bitterness. For long-term storage, freeze pesto in small portions—ice cube trays work perfectly—for up to 6 months. Thaw only what you need for optimal freshness.
Pesto
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, stems removed
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup olive oil
Instructions
- In the bowl of a food processor, combine pine nuts, basil leaves, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic, and kosher salt. Pulse the mixture until it is finely minced, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Switch the food processor to its lowest setting and slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a thin, continuous stream. Continue blending until all ingredients are fully incorporated; it’s okay if there are a few small pieces of basil remaining.
- Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
This recipe was adapted from Iamhomesteader’s Pesto.
More Flavorful Sauces
Marinara Sauce
Skip the store-bought, bottled marinara sauce and make your own with fresh tomatoes, onions, and herbs. This marinara recipe can be used in all of your favorite pasta dishes.
Homemade Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is one of those condiments that seem to have an almost magical quality to them. Creamy, tangy, and versatile, it’s a staple in many kitchens around the world.
Cheese Sauce
Cheese Sauce is creamy and cheesy and perfect for dipping bread or chips and dousing over your favorite veggies and snacks!