Making fresh pesto is easy and delicious. Did you know homemade pesto is a recipe you can make in your own kitchen? The sauce is rustic, can be served hot or cold in dishes, and is made by just blending simple raw ingredients together. Let’s make a quick and easy batch of pesto sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ - 2 Cups of Fresh Basil (washed, remove stems)
- ¼ Cup of Olive Oil
- 1 Clove Crushed Garlic
- ½ Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese
- Salt and Pepper
Basil is typically the main character in a pesto recipe. But even if you don’t like or have access to basil, you can still make a delicious rustic pesto sauce using another form of greens. Substitute some or all the basil for spinach, collard greens, kale, parsley, or even fresh mint for a variation.
What if I Can’t Find Pine Nuts?
Can’t find any pine nuts (or don’t want to pay for them)? Swap them out for walnuts or almonds that you may have already in your pantry. The best type of easy recipes are ones you adapt over time to your own household and abilities. Start experimenting with the ratios and ingredients in your own “house pesto” sauce. Hate garlic? Don’t use it. Wish it had some spice? Toss in some red pepper flakes. You are in the driver’s seat. You can control the portions and the flavors.
How to Make Your Own Pesto Sauce
Wash your basil leaves and remove any stems. Add all your ingredients into a food processor and blend until you get your desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. To thick? Add more olive oil. Optional: Toast your pine nuts before blending. This can be either done on a stovetop (3 minutes over medium heat on dry skillet) or in your oven (5 minutes at 350 degrees on a baking sheet).
Watch a Quick Video of This Easy Pesto Recipe
Want to elevate the flavor in your homemade pesto? Take the extra time and toast your pine nuts or maybe even roast your garlic. Using raw ingredients makes pesto quick and easy. But these extra suggested cooking steps add just a little extra work and can level up your flavors. You can toast your pine nuts on a stovetop or in the oven. For the stovetop method, just place them in a dry skillet (no oil needed) over medium heat for 3 minutes. If you want to use an oven or a toaster oven. Just spread them out on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. Need a new oven or cooktop? Well good news we sell them! Shop in-store or online with us for your local low price guaranteed.
You can make a batch of fresh pesto and keep it in a refrigerated sealed container until use. We love it tossed in with some pasta and grilled chicken. You can also spread it on a sandwich or layer your bruschetta with pesto, tomato, mozzarella, and glaze as an appetizer. Leftover pasta and pesto are a great start to a cool pasta salad side dish. You can improvise with your homemade pesto ingredients and uses. Looking for another easy meal idea? Check out our semi-homemade shepherd’s pie recipe here. We hope this fresh and easy pesto recipe finds all our customers having a great end to their summertime.