Homemade Pesto Sauce Recipe

Pesto pasta is a favourite at restaurants—creamy, silky, and bursting with natural flavours that delight the taste buds. But did you know you can easily recreate and customise this lovely sauce at home? Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, you will be amazed at how quickly and effortlessly you can create this versatile sauce.

In just 5 minutes, you can customise your own pesto, save a few pounds, and enjoy it whenever you fancy!

Let's begin with this easy and quick pesto recipe:

Estimated preparation time

5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup pine nuts
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

 

Steps

1. Start by picking the basil leaves, discarding the stems.

2. Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan until they are golden and fragrant—no oil is needed.

3. Place the basil leaves and toasted pine nuts in a blender. Add olive oil and blend until smooth.

4. Grate some Parmesan cheese, then add it with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Blend for an additional 15 to 20 seconds. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a bit more olive oil.

5. Your homemade pesto sauce is ready! Transfer it to a clean, dry container and store it in the fridge.

You can adjust the ingredient measurements to suit your taste. There is no need to cook the homemade pesto—simply mix it with your favourite foods and enjoy it anytime!

Related article: Pesto King Prawn Pasta Recipe

 

FAQ: Homemade Pesto Sauce Recipe

Q1: How should I store this easy pesto sauce, and how long will it keep?
A: Store your homemade pesto sauce in a dry, airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to a month, as long as the olive oil stays on the surface, which helps preserve the freshness. For even longer storage, freeze your pesto in ice cube trays for convenient, ready-to-use portions.

Q2: How can I use pesto sauce?
A: Pesto sauce is incredibly versatile. You can toss it with pasta to make delicious pesto chicken pasta, drizzle it over salads, spread it on toast or sandwiches, or use it as a dip for your favourite snacks. Get creative and try it on grilled meats and fish, roasted vegetables, or as a pizza base and spread for crostini!

Q3: Can I substitute other nuts for pine nuts, or what if I am allergic?
A: Absolutely! If you want to introduce a different flavour to your pesto, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews as a substitute for pine nuts. If you are allergic to pine nuts or prefer a nut-free pesto option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work wonderfully as alternatives.

Q4: I am vegan or lactose intolerant—what can I do about the cheese?
A: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs. Use a vegan cheese alternative, such as one made from soy milk, or simply skip the cheese altogether for a dairy-free vegan pesto.

Related article: Kimchi: Unleash the Power of Korean Superfood

 

With its vibrant flavours and endless possibilities, this homemade pesto sauce is a must-try for any food enthusiast. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! Share your pesto creations with us in the comments, and don’t forget to check out our Japanese plates—they are perfect for serving your favourite dishes at home!