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Top down view of a bowl of fresh basil pesto. Fresh celery and slices of baquettes sit by the side for dipping - Hostess At Heart.
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5 from 1 vote

Fresh Sweet Basil Pesto Recipe

Try our easy fresh sweet basil pesto recipe! It's bursting with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan making it perfect on pasta, dips, and sauces.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 Servings
Author Julie Menghini
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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • ¼ cup walnuts chopped
  • ¼ cup pignoli (pine nuts)
  • 3 tbsp grated garlic 9 cloves
  • 5 cups sweet basil leaves packed
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1½ cups olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 cup Parmesan Reggiano freshly grated and then measured.

Instructions

  • Place the walnuts, pignoli, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process for 30 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper.
    With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed.
    Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. 
  • Serve, or store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

This recipe was created by Ina Garden FoodNetwork.com
If making more than one batch, I make them individually.  
I use a 1 cup round storage containers that are suitable for the freezer. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 876mg | Potassium: 123mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 1000IU | Vitamin C: 3.6mg | Calcium: 187mg | Iron: 1.1mg
  This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.  
Tried this recipe? That's awesome!Mention @hostessatheart or tag #hostessatheart!