This simple and classic 10-Minute Pesto recipe blends together basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese and olive oil into the ultimate, vibrantly green sauce.
Add the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and pine nuts to your blender. Lemon juice is optional, but adds a subtle acidity to the pesto and brightens it up.
Add the cheese, salt, pepper and basil leaves.
Tightly seal the lid and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. If necessary, stop the blender and scrape down the sides with a silicone spatula halfway through.
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Recipe Tips for the Ultimate Pesto Recipe:
Pour in the liquid ingredients first. This makes it easier on the blade and creates a smooth, emulsified sauce.
Toast the nuts. This is completely optional, but toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds an extra-savory edge. To toast pine nuts, place in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 350 degree F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown and fragrant. Make sure to cool completely before adding to the blender.
Scrape down the sides of the blender. Occasionally, bits of basil or nuts will get stuck to the sides and bottom of your blender. Simply scrape down the sides and bottom of the blender about halfway through and continue blending until smooth.
Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates for 2 Tablespoons of pesto. If you are following any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.