5 Minute Basil Pesto Recipe

Do you have a lot of basil and don’t know what to do with it? Make pesto! Toss with warm pasta, spread it on sandwiches, dip for breads and veggies or drizzle over veggies and chicken!

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5 Minute Pesto Recipe

A classic, fresh Italian sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dipping. This pesto comes together in minutes and is packed with flavor from basil, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Basil Pesto

Prep Time 4 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 minute minute

Equipment

• 1 Food Processor or Blender

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Instructions

• Toast the Nuts (optional): Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden. Let cool.
• Blend the Base: In a food processor or blender, pulse together basil, garlic, and toasted nuts until finely chopped.
  
• Add Cheese: Add the Parmesan and pulse again.
• Add the Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth and creamy.
• Season: Stir in salt and pepper to taste. Add lemon juice if using.