Pesto sauce classic dish

January 8, 2026

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pesto sauce

Pesto sauce, bursting with fresh basil and nuts, transforms any meal. Unlock this light, tasty and nutritious classic at home!

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Total Time 16

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 1400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 cup fresh basil leaves
0.5 cup olive oil
0.33 cup parmesan cheese, grated
0.25 cup pine nuts Or walnuts as a lighter alternative
2 clove garlic
0.5 unit lemon, juiced
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Method

Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves thoroughly to remove any grit or moisture.
In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until everything is finely chopped.
Add the grated parmesan cheese and blend briefly to incorporate.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a creamy and unified texture.
Squeeze in the lemon juice, add salt and pepper, and blend again just to mix.
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. The sauce should be vibrant and aromatic.
Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or bowl. Serve fresh over pasta, sandwiches, or your favorite dish. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Notes

Pesto sauce is a true staple in Italian cuisine, loved for its incredible versatility and explosion of fresh flavors. Whether tossed with al dente pasta, spread on toast, swirled into soups, or drizzled over roasted vegetables, this sauce easily elevates everyday dishes with minimal effort.

Practical Tips and Substitutions

Use the freshest basil you can find; any wilting or yellowing leaves can alter the flavor. If pine nuts are hard to find or too pricey, try walnuts or cashews—they bring a similar richness and nice texture. For a dairy-free version, replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan hard cheese alternative.

Technique Insights for Perfect Pesto

For ultra-smooth texture, pulse the dry ingredients first and only add olive oil in a slow, steady stream while the food processor runs. This ensures a creamy, fully emulsified pesto that doesn’t separate. To preserve that vivid green color, work quickly and, if you're preparing ahead, cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil before sealing and refrigerating.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

Classic pesto is just the beginning! Stir it into cooked grains like quinoa or bulgur, use it as a vibrant pizza base, or spoon a little over grilled chicken, salmon, or even poached eggs. For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap in some arugula for part of the basil. If you’re feeling adventurous, blend in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-style "pesto rosso."

Remember: Homemade pesto is at its best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be frozen in small containers or ice cube trays for quick flavor boosts on busy days.

Tagged:healthy mediterranean diet recipe

Mileni Sabatini

Milena is a passionate home cook who finds joy in turning simple ingredients into wholesome Mediterranean-inspired meals. Writing on the blog lets her share not just recipes, but her love for balance and everyday wellness.

Pesto sauce classic dish