Kittencal's Perfect Pesto Recipe

Unlock the secret to unbelievably delicious pesto! This recipe, perfected through countless experiments, delivers the ideal balance of fresh basil, nutty pine nuts, and sharp Parmesan. Using only the finest ingredients, including high-quality freshly grated Parmesan cheese and kosher salt, makes all the difference. This recipe is incredibly versatile; enjoy it immediately or store it in the fridge (covered with a ½-inch layer of olive oil) for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for later use! Feeling adventurous? Try our variation for vibrant Red Pesto by simply reducing the basil and adding sun-dried tomatoes!

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 1 mins
Calories 1418.9 kcal
Protein 43g
Rating Be the first
Kittencal's Perfect Pesto 46

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Kittencal's Perfect Pesto

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How to Make Kittencal's Perfect Pesto

  1. Combine 3 cups packed fresh basil leaves, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, ¼ cup pine nuts, and 2 large garlic cloves in a food processor or blender.
  2. Blend until a coarse paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed.
  3. Add 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
  4. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, cheese, or olive oil to your preference.
  6. Transfer to an airtight container. For optimal freshness when refrigerating, pour a ½-inch layer of olive oil on top before sealing.
  7. To make Red Pesto: Reduce basil to 3 cups and add ½ cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to the blender along with the other ingredients.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

89 g

Sugar

9g

Fat

107g

Carbs

4g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Kittencal's Perfect Pesto?

Kittencal's Perfect Pesto takes about 6 minutes from start to finish — roughly 5 minutes to prepare and 1 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Kittencal's Perfect Pesto?

Kittencal's Perfect Pesto has approximately 1418.9 calories per serving, with about 43 g protein, 4 g carbohydrates and 226 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Kittencal's Perfect Pesto?

The key ingredients for Kittencal's Perfect Pesto are Fresh Basil Leaves, Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Fresh Garlic Cloves, Parmesan Cheese, Kosher Salt. See the full list with measurements above.

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