This basil pesto recipe is much more flavorful than store-bought and so easy to make. Grab fresh basil, pine nuts (or walnuts), garlic, parmesan, and quality extra virgin olive oil and it’s ready in 10 minutes. Make it ahead, refrigerate or freeze, and keep on hand for weeknight pesto recipes—I’ve listed all my favorites! 

homemade basil pesto in a bowl

Basil pesto is traditionally made with fresh basil pounded with pine nuts, aged cheese, and olive oil in a mortar and pestle. It gets its name from “pestare,” the Italian word for “to pound” or “to crush.”

I adapted the traditional recipe with a few tricks to keep the pesto’s vibrant green color and fresh, aromatic flavor for longer. A quick blanch in boiling water and a squeeze of lemon juice means this sauce will last in your fridge for up to 2 weeks and your freezer for up to 6 months! And, I make it in a food processor or blender so you just have to push a button. 

Though this is a decidedly easy pesto recipe, it has the same richness that’s made pesto one of the most iconic Italian sauces of all time. I use it all day long! Fry eggs in pesto for a healthy savory breakfast. For lunch, spread onto eggplant parmesan sandwiches. For dinner, pesto pasta, creamy chicken pesto pasta, baked pesto sea bass, pesto salmon, and pesto chicken are ready in under 30 minutes! All you really need to enjoy a good pesto, though, is some good crusty bread. 

Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients for Basil Pesto
  2. How to Make Basil Pesto
  3. How to Store Basil Pesto
  4. Can you Freeze Basil Pesto?
  5. How to Serve Basil Pesto
  6. Top Four Favorite Ways to Use Pesto
  7. Try our Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  8. Basil Pesto Recipe Recipe
ingredients for pesto

Ingredients for Basil Pesto

This easy basil pesto recipe uses just a handful of ingredients to make a simple sauce with so much depth and richness. Like with any recipe that uses just a few ingredients, you’ll want each one to be fresh and flavorful. 

  • Basil: Fresher basil and high quality olive oil are the two biggest differences between homemade and store-bought pesto. Grab the freshest basil you can find with little signs of limpness or browning. And, try to pack the two cups with the smaller, more tender leaves for the best flavor. If you’re not making pesto on the same day you go shopping, check out my tips for how to store fresh basil so it lasts
  • Garlic: Increase the garlic to your heart’s desire, but 1-2 cloves typically brings enough punchiness without overpowering the delicate qualities of the basil. 
  • Nuts: Buttery, creamy pine nuts are more traditional if you can swing it, but I know they can be expensive. Walnuts also work well and are more economical. Toast both in the oven at 325°F until they’re golden brown. Keep a close eye as nuts burn easily! 
  • Lemon: Lemon juice both adds brightness and prevents the basil from browning. 
  • Olive oil: With so few ingredients, olive oil has a major influence on how a pesto tastes. A high quality extra virgin olive oil is another opportunity to greatly improve your pesto! Use a smooth but full-flavor olive oil. I love our buttery but bold Italian Nocellara. For a full guide to buying pesto, check out our guide: Olive Oil 101: Everything You Need To Know
  • Parmesan: Parmesan cheese adds a deep umami quality that makes pesto irresistible. Grab the whole blocks (rather than pre-grated parm) as they tend to be much higher quality and fuller flavor.  
  • Seasoning: Pesto uses only kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor. Add just a small pinch of salt and adjust from there, as the parmesan naturally adds saltiness. 

How to Make Basil Pesto

This basil pesto recipe is made in a food processor or blender, so it comes together in just 10 or so minutes. A quick blanch and a squeeze of lemon is all you need to keep the basil’s vibrant green color. To make basil pesto:

  • Get ready: Fill a small saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water and set it near your stove. Set up a food processor with the blade attachment (or get your blender all plugged in and ready).
  • Briefly blanch the basil. Drop 2 packed cups of basil leaves in the boiling water. Blanch just until the leaves wilt, 5 to 10 seconds. Use tongs to transfer the basil leaves to the prepared ice water. This stops them from continuing to cook.basil leaves in an bowl of iced water
  • Dry the basil very well. Wrap the basil in paper towels. Squeeze to wring out all the water and transfer to the food processor. Add 1-2 chopped cloves of garlic, 1/3 cup of toasted pine nuts (or walnuts), and the juice of 1/2 lemon. 
  • Blend. Pulse until everything has broken down into small chunks. With the processor running on low speed, slowly pour in 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Do not run the processor too long, you want to have a little bit of texture.basil mixture in food processor
  • Stir in the parmesan. Transfer the basil mixture to a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese and stir to incorporate. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If your pesto is looking a little thicker or less smooth than you like it, add a little bit more extra virgin olive oil.basil mixture with grated parmesan cheese added to a bowl
  • Serve or store. Use immediately or store for later (see tips for how to use and store basil pesto below). 

How to Store Basil Pesto

To store pesto, transfer it to a mason jar and cover with a layer of olive oil (this will “seal it” and prevent it from browning from exposure to air). Seal tightly and store in your fridge for up to two weeks. To use, simply scoop off the oil. Be sure to replenish that top layer of extra virgin olive oil to keep it nicely sealed (always use a clean spoon and return it to the fridge).

Can you Freeze Basil Pesto?

Yes! You can freeze pesto for up to 6 months and thaw it in your fridge the night before you plan to use it. Here are two ways to freeze pesto: 

  • In a freezer-safe jar. Cover with a layer of extra virgin olive oil and freeze. I do this when I plan to use the entire amount in a pasta dish.
  • In ice cube trays. If you want to be able to use a little bit of pesto at a time, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze for 1 hour or until hard, then transfer the cubes to freezer bags.

How to Serve Basil Pesto

Basil pesto is a true workhorse in the kitchen. It’s easy to make, keeps well, and just a spoonful instantly adds herbal, creamy, umami-rich flavor. Keep pesto on hand for quick and delicious meals all week long! 

Make yourself a 5-minute snack with toast, sliced tomatoes, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil,  and a spoonful of pesto. Or, use as a dip for crusty bread. Rosemary Focaccia with Roasted Garlic still warm from the oven and dipped in homemade pesto is a simple luxury that reminds me why I love Mediterranean food. 

For a full meal: 

Top Four Favorite Ways to Use Pesto

a bottle of nocellara Italian extra virgin olive oil from the mediterranean dish.

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4.87 from 84 votes

Basil Pesto Recipe

Suzy Karadsheh
homemade basil pesto in a bowl
Basil pesto is an easy but rich and flavorful sauce that’s great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between. It’s so useful to keep on hand. Make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer for later use. This recipe will yield 1 cup.
Prep – 9 minutes
Cook – 1 minute
Total – 10 minutes
Cuisine:
Italian
Serves – 16 Servings
Course:
Condiment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups packed basil leaves
  • 1 to 2 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • Kosher salt
  • Black Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Get ready: Fill a small saucepan halfway with water and bring to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water and set it near your stove. Set up a food processor with the blade attachment (or get your blender all plugged in and ready).
  • Briefly blanch the basil: Drop the basil leaves in the boiling water and blanch just until they’re wilted, 5 to 10 seconds. Use tongs to transfer the basil leaves to the prepared ice water. This stops them from continuing to cook.
  • Dry the basil very well: Wrap the basil in paper towels. Squeeze to wring out all the water and transfer to the food processor, along with the garlic, pine nuts, and lemon juice.
  • Blend: Pulse until everything has broken down into small chunks. With the processor running on low speed, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Do not run the processor too long, you want to have a little bit of texture to your basil pesto.
  • Stir in the parmesan: Transfer the basil mixture to a small bowl. Add the cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix to combine. If your pesto is looking a little thicker or less smooth than you like it, add a little bit more extra virgin olive oil.
  • Serve or store: Use immediately or store for later (see “Notes” below for storage tips).

Video

Notes

  • Toast nuts in the oven at 325°F until they’re golden brown. Keep a close eye as nuts burn easily! 
  • Storage: Transfer the pesto to a mason jar. Cover with a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil (this creates a seal and prevents air from getting to it). Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to two weeks. As you use some of the pesto over time, be sure to replenish the thin layer of extra virgin olive oil on top. 
  • To Freeze: Freeze in a tightly-closed freezer-safe jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top for up to 6 months. Or, if you want to freeze it in smaller amounts, pour the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze until hard. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer-safe bag. 
  • Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 93kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1.4gFat: 9.6gSaturated Fat: 1.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.7gCholesterol: 2.7mgSodium: 55mgPotassium: 33.7mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 186.2IUVitamin C: 1.2mgCalcium: 33.9mgIron: 0.3mg
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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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4.87 from 84 votes (38 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Stephanie says:

    5 stars
    I have made your basil several times. The last few times I have blanched the basil and put it in an ice bath quickly. The leaves turned brown. Can you tell me what I’m doing wrong?

    1. Stephanie says:

      I was asking about the basil pesto and my question wasn’t answered. Please let me know. Thanks

  2. Breanna Mast says:

    5 stars
    Way better than I imagined. Thanks for the recipe!

  3. Chris Kelly says:

    5 stars
    Great Pesto Recipe! I’m glad you said to blanch the Basil and do an ice bath. This step absolutely helped my pesto keep the bright green color.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Yay! So glad you found that tip helpful, Chris!

    2. TMD Team says:

      Glad you found that tip helpful, Chris!

  4. Terry says:

    5 stars
    I note some pesto recipes suggest if you are going to freeze the pesto not to add the parm before freezing as it does not freeze well. They recommend thawing then adding the cheese. Would be interested in your comments.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Terry. We don’t find that’s necessary with our recipe. It freezes just fine, even with the parmesan cheese.

  5. Carol says:

    5 stars
    Just make a batch with prolific garden basil. Freezing in ice cube trays. I had almost enough for the year. Put in soup, sauce, salad dressing etc. I’ve started earlier this year so hopeful to get all the way til next August. Knowing me, though, if I have more I will use it more liberally 😊

  6. charrington says:

    4 stars
    there is zero need to complicate pesto by blanching the basil. otherwise a nice pesto though i would use less lemon juice next time

  7. Beth Wiley says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I will never buy store bought pesto again! Thank you for a wonderful recipe!

    1. TMD Team says:

      Yay! Thank, Beth!

  8. Eileen says:

    5 stars
    I followed all the instructions. This is the absolutely the best pesto that I have ever tasted!

    1. TMD Team says:

      Yay! Thanks so much, Eileen!

  9. Maria LaFiura says:

    Great recipe. Absolutely no reason to blanch the basil leaves. Just put them in the food processor as they are. Blanching is just an unnecessary extra step.

  10. S says:

    5 stars
    I don’t think I’ve ever commented on a recipe but WOW! My first time every making pesto and it was a delicious!

    *I didn’t have enough olive oil so I subbed avocado oil

    1. TMD Team says:

      Thanks so much for the great review!

  11. Mary says:

    Made your recipe today. Had Thai basil and added spinach, didn’t have walnuts so used pecans.. it is very good.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Thanks for sharing your adaptations here, Mary! Yum!

  12. Kiersten says:

    5 stars
    Easy and yummy!

  13. Catherine says:

    5 stars
    This pesto recipe was so easy, yet is most delicious. I appreciated its use of healthy ingredients and will definitely make it again. I also appreciated the tips on how to keep it fresh. Thank you!

    1. Robert says:

      Hi. I am familiar with this product and it has a farily good basil taste, but it adds a very slight sweetness and an even more slight “processed” taste, compared to fresh basil.

  14. Lawrence says:

    5 stars
    While looking (online) for fresh basil in my nearby grocery, I found the following: Gourmet Garden Basil Stir-In Paste.

    Does anyone have any idea how that would work in this recipe. I have a wasteful habit of buying too much perishable items, including basil. This product could be very helpful

    Lawrence

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Lawrence. We’re not familiar with that product here, so maybe someone else can chime in. If you want to try this with fresh basil pesto, though, leftovers of this freeze beautifully, which will help you to reduce waste: Freeze in a tightly-closed freezer-safe jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top for up to 6 months. Or, if you want to freeze it in smaller amounts, pour the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze until hard. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer-safe bag.

    2. charrington says:

      4 stars
      i have purchased basil paste in winter, i would not suggest for this recipe

  15. Amy says:

    5 stars
    Delicious pesto and I loved all your tips, Suzy! Thank you!