Go Back

Homemade Basil Pesto

Skip store bought pesto for this easy homemade recipe!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Calories
Ingredients
  
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cups packed fresh basil
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 3/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt (more or less to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (more or less to taste)
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 juice of half a lemon
Instructions
 
  • In a food processor add pine nuts, basil, garlic cloves, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Pulse until everything is blended finely.
  • Scrape down the sides.
  • While the food processor is running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady small stream. Slowly adding the olive oil will cause the pesto to emulsify, and will also help keep the olive oil from separating.
Keyword basil pesto, basil pesto recipe, easy pesto recipe, homemade pesto, how to make homemade pesto, pesto recipe, quick pesto recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!