In my latest book, Weelicious Lunches, I share the top 10 foods I always have on hand in my refrigerator and pantry. Number 3 on the list is Everyday Pesto. It’s the easiest recipe to make and a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking by letting them help you put all the ingredients in the food processor. You can use this pesto to mix into pasta, rice, quinoa or even to coat on chicken or fish before or after cooking to add a tons of flavor and moisture. It can be used as a base to create a variety of recipes like Egg Pesto Melts while adding a ton of oomph!
Basil Pesto is easy to make, you can store it for weeks in the fridge and my kids devour it up no matter what I put it on — from fish, to pasta to a sandwich. Even my husband loves it. And seriously, what’s not to love?!
Speaking of food that’s green, it just dawned on me that St. Patrick’s Day is next Monday. Since I’m such a big fan of using natural green coloring in holiday themed food, I have 23 Dye Free recipes that are perfect for St. Patty’s. I even created an entire St. Patty’s Day menu on my new menu planning service, Weelicious Menus, to help you get in the mood and celebrate whether you’re born with the luck of the Irish or not.
Watch this video to help you get started making something tasty, but also a fun way to get ready for St Patrick’s Day!
Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor and puree until smooth.
[…] Basil Pesto written recipe: https://weelicious.com/2011/01/05/basi… […]
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[…] adds tons of flavor to sandwiches, pasta, or use as a dip for veggies. Basil Pesto is one of those things you might be surprised to learn that kids love! You can store it for weeks […]
So weird. It should be fixed now!
Could you repost this recipe? I am only seeing 2 cups basil on the ingredients list. Thank you!
It should be fixed now!
Where did the rest of the recipe go? I am only seeing 2 cups of basil?
I can’t see the ingredients past basil either…
Your recipe list is missing some ingredients.
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Can you freeze this? And how long will it last in the refrigerator?
They go fabulously together. Enjoy.
Oh! And this may be a silly question, but do pesto and chicken go well together? Or is fish the best option with it?
I know what you mean. Walnuts are a good option. See all entries above for some other wonderful suggestions.
I saw some of the comments above – would it work to replace these with a different kind of nut or seed? I adore pine nuts, but they have gotten incredibly expensive where I live and I can’t justify the cost when trying to stick to my grocery budget.
That is just fine 🙂
Would it work to use a blender if I don’t have a food processor? I will hopefully be getting one soon, but for now I’m having to improvise. I was also wondering the same thing about the recipe for graham crackers. Thanks, Catherine, for all your wonderful recipes!
I got a recipe for pesto using collard greens and my daughter loves it! I don’t use nuts – just olive oil, parmesan cheese, and a little garlic and onion if i’m feeling frisky.
[…] make different varieties of pesto weekly because it’s perfect on pasta, fish or chicken. Recipe #1. Â We’re big fans of hummus too. Recipe #2. This is my go to breakfast several days a week […]
I just saw this post and bought some fresh basil leaves the other day. I’ve made parsely pesto in the past and it’s just as delicious if you can’t get a hold of basil.
My girls love pesto. I have even made it with spinach instead of basil and pecans instead of pine nuts and they still love it.
my daughter is allergic to seeds, nuts and dairy and other things. Will it still taste good if i omitted the pine nuts and parmesan?
I usually by this in a jar, but I just made this with my toddler. Tastes so good and fresh. I’m excited to eat it tonight — something the whole family can eat together.
I just saw this recipe and instantly had to make it (for my son’s dinner, yes, but also a big bowl of pasta for my lunch!) We were out of pine nuts so I substituted cashews – it worked well. Very yummy!
Thank you! I will be serving pesto pasta with whole wheat garlic bread for dinner. Love your recipes!
Can I do this in a mini processor or does it have to be the big one? I haven’t gotten one yet although I really want one!
I agree, seeds are a great replacement. We’ve used both pumpkin and sunflower seeds and both have been very tasty!
At my son’s school they just do not use the pine nuts and the kids still love it. The other alternative would be using some pumpkin seeds instead of the pine nuts. It is a different flavor, but good.
I love pesto! Anyone have ideas for a nut-free pesto? My little girl has a nut allergy. I know the nuts are for flavor, but how much texture does it add? Should I just add more parm cheese??
Thanks for the pesto recipe. I always wanted to make my own 🙂
Basil, Parmesan AND pine nuts? YUM!!