Homemade basil pesto is one of those magical recipes that instantly transforms a simple dish into something special. With its vibrant green color, bold herbal aroma, and rich, garlicky taste, this Italian classic captures the essence of summer in every spoonful. Made from fresh basil leaves, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, pesto is both versatile and deeply satisfying. While store-bought versions can be convenient, there’s nothing quite like the flavor of pesto made fresh at home.
The star of this sauce is basil, whose bright, peppery flavor sets the tone. When blended with good-quality olive oil and sharp Parmesan, the basil becomes the foundation for a sauce that is smooth yet punchy. Garlic adds depth and warmth, while pine nuts contribute a subtle nuttiness that rounds out the flavor. The result is a deeply flavorful, slightly creamy paste that tastes both rich and refreshing. It’s no wonder pesto has become a favorite beyond Italian kitchens.
One of the best things about homemade basil pesto is how many ways you can use it. Toss it with pasta for a quick dinner, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables. It’s also wonderful as a dip for crusty bread or as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. Even a small amount can add incredible flavor to a dish, making it a staple worth keeping in the fridge.
This sauce is also customizable. You can swap out the pine nuts for walnuts or almonds if needed, or add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can replace the Parmesan without sacrificing too much of the cheesy flavor. Homemade pesto stores well in the fridge for several days and can be frozen for longer storage, giving you an easy way to bring bold, herbal flavor to meals at a moment’s notice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts toasted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Add the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic to a food processor and pulse until all ingredients are roughly chopped.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and pulse again to combine.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Made it for a party and everyone loved it! Such a simple recipe, but so delicious! Will definitely make again! 🌿💚
This pesto recipe is fantastic! I followed it exactly and it turned out perfect. The flavor is unreal. 5 stars!
It was okay, but I think it needs more garlic. I always use like 5 cloves. Just saying! 😅 3/5.
yummy
Pasta rules! Pesto rocks! Yumm!
Absolutely! Pesto is the best! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Meh. Liked it but didn’t change my life or anything. Just tastes like green mush to me. 🤷♂️
I totally get where you’re coming from! Sometimes it just feels like another green sauce. But hey, it’s a classic for a reason! 🌿
Green mush? C’mon, it’s about the flavors! Pesto can seriously elevate a dish if you mix it right! 🥳
Best thing I’ve eaten all week! Who knew making pesto was this easy? I’m gonna impress my friends!
I tried your recipe last night but I forgot the garlic. What a disaster! It was so bland.
This pesto is a game changer! So fresh and flavorful. I used it on pasta and it was divine!
I agree! This pesto really does elevate any dish! It’s so easy to make too. I added walnuts instead of pine nuts and it turned out great!
Really? I found it a bit too oily. Maybe I just made it wrong. I’ll stick to store-bought next time.
Ya, this was simple & fast but taste was kinda bland. Maybe I’ll try with more salt next time.
I thought it was delicious! Maybe you need to add more cheese to boost the flavor?
Bland? Really? Pesto is supposed to be fresh and light! Just use better quality ingredients next time!
I dunno, it feels like there’s too much garlic in this. My breath is lethal right now! 😅
This pesto is fantastic! It tastes so fresh, and I love making it for pasta. Highly recommend!
I just don’t get why I need so many basil leaves… Like, just throw in some basil and call it pesto! LOL
Simple and delicious. I made a sandwich with it, and my family loved it! Will make again!
Pretty good, but I think it needs more garlic. I like my pesto strong! 🧄
Loved it!!! So fresh! But I used walnuts instead of pine nuts and it still rocked!
Sounds delicious! Walnuts are a great substitute. I’ll have to try that next time!
So easy to make! I added some lemon juice for a zesty kick and it turned out great! 😊
Lemon juice? That’s a clever twist! I might try that next time! 😄
I’m confused, why do you toast pine nuts? Are they bad if not toasted? 🤔
This recipe is okay, but where I come from, we use walnuts instead of pine nuts. Too fancy for my taste.
I made this for a party and everyone loved it! I added some lemon juice for a zesty kick!
That’s awesome! Lemon juice sounds like a fun twist to the recipe. I’ll have to try that next time!
I wasn’t sure about making my own pesto, but this recipe is pretty easy. Turned out good, but I think I used too much oil.
Honestly, I don’t see what the big deal is. It’s just blended herbs and nuts. I prefer store bought.
This pesto is amazing!! I used it on pasta and my family loved it. Will definitely make again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Pesto on pasta is a classic family favorite. What do you think about adding some sun-dried tomatoes next time?
Basil is good but you should’ve added more cheese, it wasn’t cheesy enough for my liking.
More cheese is always better! I’d totally agree with you on that. I usually throw in extra just for flavor. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t know, I think it’s fine as is. Cheese can make it too salty sometimes. But I guess everyone has different tastes, right?
Looks delicious! But can I use walnuts instead of pine nuts? Would it taste the same?