Basil Pesto

N/A Sauce, Condiment

Basil Pesto Sauce, Condiment

At a Glance

  • Category Sauce, Condiment

The Forktionary Angle

"This beloved Italian condiment adds an instant burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to countless dishes, beyond just pasta."

Definition

A vibrant Italian sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, known for its aromatic, savory flavor.

Freezing Tip Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient, single-serving portions.
Storage Life Fresh pesto lasts 1-2 weeks in the fridge, covered with a layer of olive oil.
Versatile Use Goes beyond pasta; excellent on sandwiches, eggs, or roasted vegetables.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Basil Pesto are:

Aromatic Herbaceous Garlicky Cheesy Umami

Chef’s Secret

To prevent discoloration and keep homemade pesto vibrant green, blanch the basil leaves for 10-15 seconds before processing, then immediately plunge into ice water.

Best Substitutes

Spinach Pesto

Ratio 1:1

Arugula Pesto

peppery
Ratio 1:1

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

for a different flavor profile

Buying Guide

Look for vibrant green color and a strong basil aroma. Check ingredient list for quality olive oil and real Parmesan.

Recipes Using Basil Pesto

Dietary 60 Minutes Or Less High Calcium Time To Make

Basil Pesto Tomato Cheese And French Bread Melt

A quick and zesty snack that's bursting with flavor! This recipe uses Bonnie Traynor's acclaimed basil pesto recipe (#8650) for an unbelievably delicious base. Perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or satisfying treat, this French bread melt is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a taste sensation!

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Pasta Pasta Rice And Grains Vegetarian

Baked Pesto Pasta With Tomato Cheese

A delicious twist on classic baked penne! This meatless recipe is bursting with fresh pesto flavor, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a weeknight dinner, it's easily made ahead of time. We use homemade pesto for the best taste, but store-bought is a great time-saver. Enjoy the satisfying heartiness of whole wheat pasta – even picky eaters will love it! Get ready for a flavor explosion in just 35 minutes!

See Complete Recipe
Summer Time To Make Savory Vegetables

Basil Pesto Bread Rounds

These savory Basil Pesto Bread Rounds are the perfect appetizer, late-night snack, or side dish for your next pasta dinner! Made with simple ingredients and prepared pesto, this recipe is quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes. Customize your topping – double the pesto mixture for extra flavor! Crispy toasted bread rounds topped with a vibrant basil pesto, creamy mayonnaise, and savory parmesan cheese. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

See Complete Recipe
Italian Preparation Tomatoes European

Bea's Pesto Bruschetta

Elevate your appetizer game with Bea's Pesto Bruschetta! This vibrant twist on a classic combines creamy pesto, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant parsley for an explosion of flavor in every bite. Easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated party snack.

See Complete Recipe
Lunch Dietary Time To Make Lunch

Beef Pesto Panini

This sizzling Beef Pesto Panini recipe is a summer sensation! Quick, easy, and cool to prepare (no oven needed!), this flavorful sandwich features tender beef, vibrant pesto, and melty cheese, all pressed to golden perfection in a skillet. A perfect light lunch or dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.

See Complete Recipe
15 Minutes Or Less Preparation Dinner Party Appetizers

Herb Garlic Marinated Feta

Elevate your appetizers with this incredibly flavorful Herb Garlic Marinated Feta! Perfect for spreading on crusty bread, topping bruschetta, or adding a zesty kick to salads. This recipe infuses creamy feta cheese with fragrant herbs and garlic, resulting in a delicious and easy-to-make treat. The marinated oil is also amazing in dressings! Made with light olive oil for a lighter, brighter flavor.

See Complete Recipe
Pasta Rice And Grains Italian Pasta Time To Make

Baked Pasta Cheese With Tomatoes

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Baked Pasta Cheese with Tomatoes and Pesto! A twist on classic baked macaroni and cheese, this recipe features a vibrant basil pesto sauce that will have your family begging for more. Perfect for satisfying hungry teens (and adults!), this cheesy, comforting dish is surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Lunch 60 Minutes Or Less Lunch Time To Make

Basil Lemon Chicken Panini

This vibrant panini bursts with fresh basil and zesty lemon, perfectly complementing juicy grilled chicken and melted Fontina cheese. Grilled to golden perfection in a panini press or skillet, this recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal or a delightful lunch. Use leftover grilled chicken (recipe available separately!) or quickly pan-fry chicken breasts for this crowd-pleasing sandwich.

See Complete Recipe
Beef High Calcium Weeknight Course

Barbecued Olive And Pesto Burgers

These Barbecued Olive & Pesto Burgers are ready in minutes and devoured in moments! A quick and flavorful recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual BBQ. Juicy burger patties bursting with Mediterranean flavors – olives, pesto, and a smoky char from the grill. Get ready for a taste sensation!

See Complete Recipe
One Dish Meal Preparation Inexpensive Penne

Bacon Pumpkin And Pesto Pasta

This vibrant pasta dish is a delicious and surprisingly quick weeknight meal! Forget fussy sauces – tender roasted pumpkin, crispy bacon, and creamy pesto are tossed directly with perfectly cooked pasta for a flavour explosion. We use readily available Kent or Jap pumpkin (common in Australia), free-range bacon for that extra deliciousness, and your favorite pesto (Sacla is a great option!). Adapted from an Australian Good Taste magazine recipe, this dish is perfect served with a fresh salad.

See Complete Recipe
Potatoes Easy 4 Hours Or Less Vegetables

Basil Pesto Twice Baked Potatoes

Elevate your potato game with this irresistible recipe! Creamy mascarpone cheese, vibrant basil pesto, and nutty pine nuts combine to create a twice-baked potato experience unlike any other. These are perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Make a big batch – they reheat beautifully from the fridge! No mascarpone? Cream cheese works in a pinch (though the flavor will be slightly different). Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Comfort Food Easy Poultry Taste Mood

Artichoke Pesto Sun Dried Tomato Pizza With Three Cheeses

Inspired by a favorite pizza from my bartending days (but way healthier!), this Artichoke Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza is a flavor explosion! Three cheeses – mozzarella, parmesan, and creamy ricotta – blend perfectly with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a vibrant basil pesto. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick. Optional chicken makes it a complete meal, but it's equally delicious as a vegetarian delight. Get ready for a pizza experience that's both comforting and sophisticated!

See Complete Recipe
Vegetables Low Carb Potatoes Green Yellow Beans

Beef Potato Basil Pesto Soup

A quick and flavorful single-serving soup bursting with fresh basil pesto, tender potatoes, and savory beef! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a light lunch. Impress yourself with this delicious and easy-to-make recipe!

See Complete Recipe