How to Make Basil Pesto

Looking for a quick and tasty addition to pasta, potatoes or a refreshing burrata salad? Want a healthy spread for pizza and sandwiches? The answer is basil pesto: a delicious blend of basil, arugula, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. This simple recipe, made from scratch, will tantalize your taste buds.

Recipes for basil pesto vary from one cook to another. This easy recipe brings the peppery taste of arugula to the party, giving it another dimension of flavor. It yields 1 cup pesto and is ready in about 5 minutes.

Jump to:

• Pesto Origins
• Ingredients & Tools
• Step #1. Place Ingredients in Blender
• Step #2. Blend Until Smooth
• Step #3. Ready to Use
• How to Use it
• Storage
• 📋Recipe

Pesto Origins

Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, in the mid 19th century, following the introduction of basil from its origins in India. The recipe made its way to the U.S. in the 1940s, though it didn't gain popularity until the 80s and 90s.

It's so popular that canned pesto is available on the grocery shelves. But nothing beats learning how to make basil pesto at home.

Ingredients & Tools

To make basil pesto in 3 simple steps, gather the follow ingredients and items:

• 3 cups fresh basil
• 1 cup fresh arugula
• 1 cup olive oil
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts
• 1 garlic clove
• salt, to taste
• Kitchen Blender

Step #1. Place Ingredients in Blender

Place all ingredients into the blender jar.

Step #2. Blend Until Smooth

Blend until smooth. Season with salt to taste.

Step #3. Ready to Use

Transfer to a jar and use as desired.

How to Use it

• Try using the fresh basil pesto over some Caprese salad.
• Basil pesto works well on pasta.
• It can replace tomato sauce on pizzas (such as my electric skillet pizza).
• It can be spread on sandwiches, crackers or bread.
• Serve it with chicken.
• Mix it into roasted potatoes or soup.
• Make a basil pesto potato galette.

Storage

Fridge Storage: You can keep basil pesto in the refrigerator for three days in a glass jar or airtight container.

Freezer Storage: You can also freeze it. Curious how to freeze pesto? It's actually quite easy. If you want to use it in small amounts, portion it out into an ice cube tray and transfer it to the freezer. Take the frozen cubes and put them into a freezer bag. The cubes can last up to 6 months.

For larger amounts, put the pesto in small freezer-safe containers and into the freezer for up to 12 months.

Did you enjoy this fresh, homemade basil pesto? Let me know in the comments and please share the recipe!

📋Recipe