Pesto Recipe

Whip up a batch of delicious pesto in just 30 minutes! This forgiving recipe lets you get creative with nuts and herbs – use walnuts, pecans, basil, parsley, or anything you have on hand. Feel free to substitute wine for some of the olive oil for extra depth of flavor. Adjust quantities to achieve your perfect consistency. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a vibrant topping!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Calories 257.4 kcal

Protein 19g

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Recipe Author

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

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

Ingredients for Pesto

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How to Make Pesto

Finely chop 2 cups of fresh basil leaves using a sharp knife or pulse in a food processor until finely minced.
Crush 1/2 cup of your choice of nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.) using a knife or pulse in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Combine the chopped basil, crushed nuts, garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.
Gradually add 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (or a mix of 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup white wine) while mixing thoroughly until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more olive oil for a thinner pesto, or more cheese for a richer flavor.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

11 g

Sugar

Fat

25g

Carbs

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Cuisine Preparation 5 Ingredients Or Less Sauces Condiments Etc Easy European Italian

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Pesto?

Pesto takes about 45 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Pesto?

Pesto has approximately 257.4 calories per serving, with about 19 g protein, 1 g carbohydrates and 36 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Pesto?

The key ingredients for Pesto are Fresh Basil, Garlic Cloves, Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Extra Virgin Olive Oil. See the full list with measurements above.