This Easy Basil Pesto is a simple & delicious recipe you can use in a variety of dishes, from topping meats and poultry to stirring into soups and as topping on pizza!
Sometimes you’re making a meal and think to yourself , “This is a little….bland,” or “This could really use a flavor boost”. So you pull out the seasonings and try to adjust them until it satisfies your tastebuds. Either that, or you never quite get to that taste you want OR you put in too much seasoning and completely overpower it.
If this ever sounds like you, then I have a simple solution: this easy basil pesto.
It’s the perfect flavor booster to any meal. I use it on top of meat, poultry and fish, stirred in pasta dishes, soups or power bowls, mixed into salads, spread on toast or pizza and as part of appetizers. Really, the possibilities are endless. Any way you choose to enjoy it, it’s sure to amp up the flavor of your meal! And remember, a little goes a long way. You don’t need a lot of pesto to flavor your meals!
Nutrition-wise, pesto is higher in calories due to the olive oil and nuts (hello healthy fats!), but is low in carbohydrates and moderate in protein. Some notable nutrients in pesto include vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. Traditionally, pesto is made with pine nuts but right now pine nuts are so dang expensive that I chose to use walnuts – which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Overall, used in moderation pesto is an excellent addition to recipes and your diet and can help aid in satiety due to the high (healthy) fat content.
Add a punch of flavor to your meals with this Easy Basil Pesto Share on X
Let me know down in the comments – what is your favorite way to use pesto?
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Easy Basil Pesto
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ~8 oz
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Basil Pesto is a simple & delicious recipe you can use in a variety of dishes, from topping meats and poultry to stirring into soups and as topping on pizza!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup nuts (pine nuts or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a food processor or high power blender. Process on high for 30-60 seconds or until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Serve as desired on top of meat, poultry, fish, pasta, whole grains, salads, pizza, crusty bread, etc. The options are endless! Keep stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or in the freezer for 3-4 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 197
- Sugar: 1.4 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 5.6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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