Basil is one of my favorite fresh herbs, it is highly aromatic and super flavorful!
Preparing this savory fresh basil pesto sauce is really very simple: you only require 1 bowl, 5 ingredients and 5 minutes, that’s it!
You can add it to your pasta, sandwiches, and savory baked goods. There are plenty of healthy vegetarian choices with this pesto sauce that I will soon share with you. In the meantime here you have this easy homemade Mediterranean Basil Pesto Sauce recipe so that you can get creative!
Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce
Prep time
Total time
Author: Margarita @ Tasty Mediterraneo
Serves: For preparing one jar of pesto
Ingredients
- 25g (1 cup) fresh basil leaves plucked off stems
- 5 teaspoons pine nuts
- 1 garlic clove, pealed and finely minced
- 100ml (1/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 50g (1/2 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Wash well the fresh basil leaves and remove the stems.
- Put all the ingredients into a food processor and process until the mix is completely incorporated and smooth.
- If you are not going to consume it immediately, pour the pesto sauce into a jar and add a little extra virgin olive oil on the top. Seal and store in the fridge. You can keep it in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes
Personally I do not like to add salt to the pesto, as the Parmesan cheese is already salty. But taste it anyway to see if you would rather season it with some salt.
Hi, This looks so easy and delicious, but I’m allergic to pine nuts! What would you recommend as a substitute or would you just leave out the nut altogether? Thanks so much for your reply!
Hi Paula, if you are only allergic to pine nuts you could try with cashew nuts, it should work as well 😉 Enjoy and happy healthy cooking!
Beautiful pictures! I’ve tried the Oregano pesto, can’t wait to try this one.
Thank you Liz, enjoy!
It looks amazing, thanks!
Thanks Aileen, I am glad you like it 🙂