Classic Basil Pesto
Fresh, vibrant and endlessly versatile.
Published Jan 3, 2026
10 MINS
EASY
¾ CUP
About the Recipe
This classic basil pesto is bright, herby, and packed with flavour. Use it to dress pasta, swirl into soups, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or slather on sandwiches and grilled breads. It’s the kind of pantry hero that makes even the simplest dishes feel gourmet.
Quick to make and naturally versatile, it keeps well in the fridge and can also be frozen in portions to have on hand whenever you need a flavour boost.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups basil leaves
¼ cup pine nuts
2 garlic cloves, peeled
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup grated Parmesan
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp lemon juice
METHOD
1.
Add basil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
2.
Add the Parmesan and pulse briefly to combine.
3.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth but still slightly textured.
4.
Blend in the lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5.
Transfer to a jar or airtight container.
Tips
Use fresh, dry basil. Any excess moisture will dull the flavour and affect the texture.
Do not over-blend. A little texture keeps the pesto vibrant rather than oily or flat.
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. This pesto can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply freeze in ice cube trays for easy portions, then transfer to an air-tight container.
Nutritional Information
Makes approx ¾ cup. Serving size 1 Tbsp. Approx per serve:
Calories: 80 | Fat: 8G | Carbs: 1G | Protein: 2G | Fiber: 0.3G | Sodium: 0.09G | Sugars: 0.2G
Recipe Notes
All recipes are written using metric and Celsius measurements. Unless otherwise stated:
-
Eggs are large, free-range.
-
Oven setting is fan-forced.
-
Spoon and cup measures are level.
-
Butter is unsalted.
-
Salt is fine sea salt.
Hungry for More?
Become a City Slicker and get fresh recipes, exclusive insider stories, and a little extra flavour in your inbox.
More From Samantha
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Gooey Southland Cheese Rolls
Homemade Vegetable Stock
Follow Me
Hungry for more?
Join my inner circle and become a City Slicker. Get fresh recipes, exclusive insider stories, and a little extra flavour in your inbox.
