Basil Pesto Recipe

Once you find a good basil pesto recipe you'll discover that it's one of those healthy recipes that you'll use over and over in many ways.

This pesto recipe is the classic one. If you have never made pesto before, start with this recipe. Once you know how to make pesto, you can vary this recipe to suit your taste.

Pesto is so tasty and versatile, you will find yourself making it all the time. It freezes wonderfully so if you grow your own basil, pesto is the perfect way to preserve your harvest and reap the rewards all throughout the off-season.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pine nuts
4 garlic cloves
4 cups packed fresh basil leaves, shredded
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
salt, to taste

Preparation:

Place all ingredients, except the olive oil, in a food processor or blender. With the appliance running, stream in the olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Use immediately or refrigerate up to 3 days.

If you plan to freeze your pesto, do not add the garlic or cheese. When you are ready to use it, defrost it and then add the garlic and cheese.

Sauce & Marinade

Here are a few more sauce and marinade recipes to consider.

Basil Dressing	Flavored Mayonnaise (Basil Mango)
Parsley Basil Salad Dressing	Basil Infused Olive Oil
Basil Butter	Basil Lemon Salad Dressing and Maranade
Walnut Pesto Recipe	Basil Cream Sauce
Basil Shallot Mustard	Basil Paste
Presto Pesto	Spinach Basil Pesto