Why We Love Basil Pesto
Quick as! – Just 6 ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare!
Versatile – dollop on a sandwich, or salad, stir through pasta, serve on a steak, freeze and toss it into a stir fry. Basil Pesto is the ultimate HERO sauce!
Easy to make – you can make basil pesto in a Thermomix or your food processor. Use a bit of mortar and pestle action and you can make it without an appliance.
What is Basil Pesto?
Pesto di Basilico is pretty much basil pesto by a delicious Italian name. It is also known as pesto alla Genovese. Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy around the 16th century. It has been popular ever since!
Made with loads of fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil (or avocado oil), plump toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and fresh garlic. This is a classic sauce used on everything from steak to pasta, and salad.
Related Recipes: Pesto Rosso / Cilantro Chimichurri / Lemon Gremolata
Pesto di Basilico Ingredients
Jump to Recipe Card for Full List of Ingredients
With only 5 ingredients a great pesto sauce is super easy to make.
Ingredient Notes
Basil Leaves – use fresh basil only. Look for bright green leaves without damage or browning. Use arugula, parsley, coriander, sorrel leaves, kale, or any leafy greens in place of basil.
Parmesan – use a sharp Parmigiano rPggiano, or pecorino Romano
Olive Oil – use good quality extra-virgin olive oil or extra-virgin cold pressed avocado oil. I use Grove Avocado Oil which is very dark green and a personal favourite.
Pine nuts – while this recipe uses pine nuts you can honestly substitute any nuts you prefer.
How to Make Basil Pesto
Jump to Recipe Card for Ingredients and Step-By-Step
Making pesto di basilico at home is very easy.
You will need a food processor or blender. I have included methods for both a food processor and basil pesto using a Thermomix. Both ways will make a perfect pesto.
Step 1. It really is as simple as toasting the pine nuts first. I do this in a pan over medium-high heat until they are lightly golden in colour. This step gives the pesto a nutty flavour from the toasting. Do this with any nuts you are using.
Step 2. Place all the ingredients into a food processor and chop until smooth. If you need to scrape down the sides of the bowl and process again for a smoother consistency, then go for it. I prefer my pesto a little on the chunky side.
Variations: use any leafy greens, nuts or seeds you prefer. Try a roasted red pepper pesto or our sun-dried tomato pesto, Pesto Rosso recipe.
How to Make Thermomix Pesto
Making any kind of pesto in a Thermomix is so easy. This homemade pesto Thermomix recipe is so simple.
Place all the ingredients into the mixer and chop 10 sec/speed 7. Scrape and repeat until your desired consistency is achieved. Mix through other condiments like our Thermomix Mayonnaise or Thermomix Guacamole recipes to create a flavor-packed pesto mayonnaise or dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oh, this one is easy. Seeds also work well in pesto. Use toasted hemp seeds, pepitas or sunflower seeds as a nut-free pesto alternative.
I love it sprinkled over a casserole, soup or baked breads and galettes. Basil pesto is also perfect for the lunch box or cheese platter. This pesto would be an awesome alternative to our red pesto in the Marry Me Chicken recipe too.
Storage
Fridge – store in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to cover the top with a layer of olive oil. This keeps the pesto vibrant and fresh without discolouration or mould.
Freeze – freeze in a silicone ice cube tray then transfer to a ziplock bag.
Defrosting – defrost in the fridge overnight.
Recipes to Serve Basil Pesto With
- Sous Vide Wagyu Steak
- Keto Beef and Broccoli
- Rougaille Sausages
- Easy Baked Italian Meatballs
- Savoury Mince
For those of you like me who follow a keto diet, this is definitely a keto pesto. I think all pesto is keto-friendly.
If you do make it then don’t forget to tag me on your creations on social media. Join us on Facebook or Instagram and show us what you have been making in your keto kitchen. xoxo
Easy Pesto di Basilico (Basil Pesto)
Equipment
- Food Processor optional
- Thermomix® optional
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons (3 tablespoons) pine nuts (30g)
- 1 cup (1 cup) fresh basil leaves, packed (60g)
- 1 clove (1 clove) garlic
- 0.25 cup (¼ cup) extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil (60g)
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 0.25 cup (¼ cup) parmesan cheese 25g
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
CONVENTIONAL METHOD
- Lightly toast pine nuts in a small frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to burn. Allow to cool before using.
- Place basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan, and cooled pine nuts into a food processor. Blend until a paste forms. Season with salt and pepper.
THERMOMIX METHOD
- Lightly toast pine nuts in a small frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to burn. Allow to cool before using.
- Place basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan, and pine nuts into mixer; chop 10 sec/speed 7. Scrape down sides of bowl and repeat. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
Swap the pine nuts for macadamias, almond or cashews.
Basil can be swapped for any soft green leafy herbs or vegetables like parsley or kale. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. The oil can make a difference to the flavour of the pesto. STORAGE
Fridge – Store in an airtight jar for up to 5 days in the fridge. Freezer – Yes, basil pesto can be frozen. Scoop into a silicone ice cube tray and freeze. Defrost – in the fridge overnight before using. SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve as a side or sauce for any protein. Serve with cheese, or vegetables, dips and crackers.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
46 responses to “Pesto di Basilico (Basil Pesto)”
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So perfect to make in the summer when I have tons of fresh basil from my garden.-
Absolutely!
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I love pesto but I’ve only made it once. But right now I’m getting basil plants ready for the garden. I’ll come back to this recipe and use it to make my own homemade pesto. Thanks for the tips.-
I hope you love it.
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Pesto is one of my favorites. It’s just an all-around perfect recipe. I use it for spreads, dips, sauces..nothing beats homemade and fresh. Great tips here too!-
I am so happy you enjoyed it Tammy.
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This is the easiest pesto and even better than the store bought kind. We loved it over fresh pasta and I even made extra to store in the freezer.-
Woohoo! I am so happy you enjoyed it!
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I am dreaming of spring! I can’t wait to make fresh pesto! As soon as my basil is growing in my garden this is the recipe I am going to make and put on everything.-
Enjoy Christy! It really is delicious!
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Yum! As a pesto aficionado I’ve tried many recipes but this one is the best by far. It’s so bright and tasty…and I put it on everything!-
Woohoo! I love this review. Thanks Bernice I am so happy you enjoyed it
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This is such a simple recipe and a delicious pasta sauce. It’s also perfect on bread. Thanks for sharing!-
You are very welcome Colleen.
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This basil pesto has so many many delicious uses. I made a batch and added roasted vegetables and also my morning eggs. So good!-
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it Sharon.
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Fresh, simple and quick to make, this is an all round winner! Delicious 😋-
So good to hear you enjoyed it Juliette
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This pesto is so good! The whole family loved it! What I find especially great is that you can prepare it so quickly!-
So good to hear Nora. Thanks for trying it and letting us know how much you enjoyed it.
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I love to put pesto on everything. This recipe is just what I was looking for!-
I am so happy you found it keri
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That looks so delicious and looks so easy. I am so excited to make this at home ❤-
Enjoy!
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Such a flavorful pesto! It goes well in so many dishes!-
It sure does.
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This pesto is so delish and it was easy to make! Thanks for sharing 🙂-
You are very welcome Lilly
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I never thought about it but yes, I guess pesto is naturally keto. This is a great recipe that makes a flavourful and versatile pesto.
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It sure is.
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Great flavour easy to make. My 7 and 10 year old also loved it and had it on their pasta-
Awesome! I love hearing the kids enjoyed the dishes too.
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I love this simple, easy and very tasty recipe. I have fresh basil growing and it’s so good to use it in this very simple way . -
This recipe is very tasty and very quick and easy to make.
Made it with my fresh basil out of our garden. -
Such an easy delicious recipe. I have even frozen it in ice cube batches and just taken out a small portion as i need it. Everyone loves it. My go to snack food! -
A quick and simple pesto that can be added to a dish or eaten with a cracker – delicious!
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