Classic Basil Pesto Recipe

by Registered Dietitian, Andrea Holwegner | Jul 24, 2021

Fresh and delicious! Use this classic basil pesto in a summer pasta salad or to top crostini 

If, like me, your garden is overflowing with basil this summer take the opportunity to make some classic basil pesto! It’s delicious, keeps well and can be used to make many quick lunch or dinner recipes. If you have extra and decide to freeze it, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the container to keep its bright green color, and don’t add the parmesan cheese until you’re ready to use it.  

 

Recipe from Mark Bittman’s How To Cook Everything. 

 

Makes 1 cup  

 

 

What You Need 

 

• 2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves, rinsed and dried 
• ½ clove garlic, peeled (or more, to taste)  
• 2 tbsp pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, walnuts or cashews  
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil  
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or other hard cheese 

 

 

How to Make Classic Basil Pesto  

• Combine the basil with a pinch of salt, garlic, nuts and about half the olive oil in a food processor or blender 
• Process, scraping down the sides  
• Gradually add the rest of the olive oil until you have the desired sauce texture  
• Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for several months  
• Stir in the grated cheese by hand just before using  

 

You can modify this classic basil pesto by using parsley or different nuts. Make a great sauce for fish by using dill and a neutral oil like grapeseed or corn and a bit of lemon zest.  

 

Nutritional Information  

 

(for entire recipe)  

  

1,614 Calories 

26.8 Carbohydrates 

34.5 g Protein 

158.4 g Fat. 

10 g Fibre 

 

What is your favourite way to serve pesto? I like it on a cold pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.  

 

 

Looking for more Italian recipes? Try these:  

 

• Rustic Italian Beef and Tomato Soup Recipe 
• Speedy Italian Caprese Salad 
• Grilled Italian Sausage and Red Peppers 

 

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