Pesto: The Lush, Green Sauce That Elevates Every Dish

Save this recipe on:

A swirl of fresh basil, a splash of golden olive oil, and a touch of garlic and cheese—pesto is the ultimate green magic that instantly upgrades pasta, sandwiches, and even breakfast eggs. This vibrant sauce hails from Italy but has earned its place in kitchens around the world. Whether you spread it, stir it, or spoon it over your favorites, pesto offers a burst of flavor in every drop.

Homemade pesto has a texture and brightness that jarred versions can’t match. It takes just minutes to prepare and delivers a punch of herbal, nutty, garlicky intensity that’s both bold and versatile. Keep it chunky or blend it smooth—however you like it, this pesto is going to be your go-to green hero.

---

Why You’ll Love This Pesto

• It takes under 10 minutes to make from scratch.
• You only need a handful of fresh, whole ingredients.
• It’s free from preservatives and customizable to your taste.
• Works as a spread, a sauce, or a dip.
• Pairs beautifully with pasta, veggies, meats, and even baked potatoes.

---

What Kind of Basil Should I Use for Pesto?

The best basil for pesto is fresh Genovese basil, known for its fragrant aroma and soft leaves. If you can’t find Genovese specifically, sweet basil is your next best option. Avoid Thai or purple basil as they have stronger and slightly spicy flavor notes that can overpower the classic pesto taste. Always use fresh, never dried basil—the flavor just doesn’t compare.

---

Ingredients for the Pesto

Each ingredient in pesto plays a key role in balancing its flavor and creating that signature creamy texture.

• Fresh Basil Leaves – This is the soul of the sauce. Use fragrant, vibrant basil for the best flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and smooth blending, giving pesto its luscious body.
• Garlic Cloves – For a pungent, sharp note that cuts through the herbs and cheese.
• Pine Nuts – These nuts bring creaminess and a soft, buttery texture. Toast them lightly to deepen the flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese – Sharp, salty, and essential for body and umami. Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano if you can.
• Salt – Enhances all the other flavors. A pinch is all it takes.

---

How To Make the Pesto

Step 1: Prep the Basil

Rinse and gently pat dry the basil leaves. Make sure there is no moisture left to avoid a watered-down pesto.

Step 2: Toast the Pine Nuts

Lightly toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

Step 3: Blend the Ingredients

In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, toasted pine nuts, and salt. Pulse until finely chopped.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Add Parmesan cheese and pulse again to combine evenly.

Step 5: Stream in the Olive Oil

With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto becomes a creamy, cohesive sauce.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste the pesto and adjust salt or cheese to your liking. You can also add a splash more oil if you want a thinner consistency.

---

How to Serve and Store This Pesto (Feeds 6-8)

Serve pesto immediately tossed with pasta, drizzled over roasted veggies, or spooned on grilled meats. It’s excellent swirled into soups or spread on sandwiches, too.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To help prevent browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays and store the cubes in a zip-top bag for quick, flavorful portions.

---

What to Serve With Pesto?

Pasta of Any Kind

Pesto is a classic with spaghetti, linguine, penne, or gnocchi. Try it with homemade pasta for an extra treat.

Grilled Chicken

Use pesto as a topping or marinade for grilled or baked chicken breasts or thighs.

Caprese Salad

Swap out the balsamic for pesto drizzled over fresh tomatoes and mozzarella.

Pesto Pizza

Spread it over pizza dough in place of red sauce and top with mozzarella and roasted veggies.

Scrambled Eggs or Omelets

Stir in a spoonful for a herby kick to your morning eggs.

Roasted Potatoes

Toss potatoes with pesto right after they come out of the oven for an addictive side dish.

Crusty Bread

Simply spread on toasted sourdough or baguette for a flavorful snack or appetizer.

Cheese Boards

Serve it as a vibrant dip alongside crackers, cheeses, and cured meats.

---

Want More Sauce Ideas?

If you love this pesto, you might want to try out these other flavorful favorites:

• Cream Cheese Olive Spread for a creamy, savory dip.
• Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso when you’re craving a Tex-Mex twist.
• Mexican Restaurant Style Cheese Dip for your next taco night.
• Green Olive Dip if you’re all about briny, salty goodness.
• Creamy Spicy Rotel Dip for heat-lovers who want a bold flavor punch.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this pesto recipe to your Pinterest sauce board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast your pine nuts or keep them raw? Any wild additions like lemon zest or sun-dried tomatoes?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Ask questions, share tips—let’s grow together in the kitchen.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Chef Lorenzo Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: