This classic basil pesto recipe is nutty and bright. We love it on pasta, pizza, and more! See the post above for my favorite pesto sauce variations.
Prep time: PT5M
Total time: PT5M
Rating
4.88 stars (614 reviews)
Keywords
Basil pesto, Pesto, Pesto recipe, Pesto sauce
Ingredients
½ cup toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove
¼ teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
2 cups basil leaves
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for a smoother pesto)
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Categories
condiment
Cuisine
Italian
Steps
In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper and pulse until well chopped.
Add the basil and pulse until combined.
With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil and pulse until combined. Add the Parmesan cheese, if using, and pulse to briefly combine. For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil.
Reviews
Juanita on 2026-06-27 14:12:25 (5 stars): Very easy and tasty.
JA Luna on 2026-06-25 22:46:50 (5 stars): This recipe is absolutely delicious. I didn't have pine nuts but subbed for chickpeas and it was still a very delicious and creamy sauce. I made this from fresh basil in my garden. It was a huge hit we drizzled it on our baked chicken and tomorrow I'm making some pasta for the leftovers. Overall amazing and I can't wait to make it again it was so easy to put together!
Lori on 2026-06-23 20:59:56 (5 stars): This was perfect!!!!
Arlene on 2026-06-19 17:48:18 (5 stars): Second this. Amazing as is!
Lovebug on 2026-06-19 02:04:47 (5 stars): You’re right. I accidentally only added 1 and it seemed about right
Tracy on 2026-06-18 18:40:16 (5 stars): I freeze pesto by putting it in an ice cube tray, then putting the tray in the freezer. When frozen, i pop out the pesto "cubes" and store them in the freezer in an appropriate container. 1 or 2 cubes is a serving, depending on taste.
Gary E on 2026-06-17 17:36:13 (5 stars): Using fresh basil and garlic from my garden, this pesto is stunningly good.
I wouldn’t change a thing.
Sanchit Seth on 2026-06-14 02:08:15 (5 stars): Simple yet delicious, simply loved it, couldn't get enough of it.
Steve on 2026-06-06 17:16:20 (5 stars): I made it. Easy. Makes a cup and it went right into tonight’s dinner of creamy chicken and pesto pasta. Can’t wait for my basil plant to give another batch.
Carol on 2026-06-05 07:47:07 (5 stars): 2 cups recipe says. Enjoy !
