Easy, Healthy Homemade Pesto
After you make this pesto you will never buy store bought pesto ever again! Homemade pesto is so much more vibrant, fresh, and rich. This pesto only takes 5 minutes to make and requires 6 simple ingredients. Store bought pesto is full of preservatives and chemicals you can't read so it lasts in those jars. I love making homemade pesto because you can omit all of that from being consumed into your body! You can also make it as thick or runny as you want and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
This recipe makes 1 cup of pesto. If you like homemade sauces, be sure to check out my Healthy Tzatziki Sauce as well!
BE SURE TO SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD FOR LATER!
Ingredients
- Basil - 2 heaping cups of fresh basil.
- Olive Oil - 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
- Lemon Juice - 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- Pine Nuts - 1/3 cup of pine nuts. I know pine nuts are kind of pricy but they are the best in pesto. The ones I have found to be the most cost effective are off of Amazon here.
- Garlic- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, or to taste.
- Parmesan Cheese - 1/4 cup of fresh, shredded parmesan cheese. Omit if you are dairy free
- Salt & Pepper - To taste.
I have not bought one jar of pesto since I started making my own. It's so easy to make and saves you money! My favorite part about making my own is knowing exactly what is going into it. You avoid so many additives, gums, thickeners, preservatives, etc.
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- Add all ingredients to a large food processor.
- Blend on high until all ingredients are incorporated and you have that pesto sauce consistency.
- Enjoy with your favorite pasta, pizza, etc.!
** This recipe makes 1 cup of pesto.
Is Pesto Healthy?
Yes, pesto is healthy in moderation (just like a lot of other things!). Pesto is higher in fat and calories, but it's good fat! The type of fat found in pesto is monounsaturated. Monounsaturated fat lowers "bad" cholesterol and raises "good" cholesterol. Pesto is also very rich in vitamins and minerals that contribute to cell health. Olive oil contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants, which can help lower the risk of heart disease. Garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese deliver minerals such as manganese and phosphorus.
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I post all of my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up to date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
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After you make this pesto you will never buy store bought pesto ever again! Homemade pesto is so much more vibrant, fresh, and rich. This pesto only takes 5 minutes to make and requires 6 simple ingredients. Store bought pesto is full of preservatives and chemicals you can't read so it lasts in those jars. I love making homemade pesto because you can omit all of that from being consumed into your body! You can also make it as thick or runny as you want and adjust the seasonings to your liking. This recipe makes 1 cup of pesto.
- 2 cup basil (fresh; washed & dried)
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (fresh)
- ⅓ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Add all ingredients to a large food processor.
Blend on high until all ingredients are incorporated and you have that pesto sauce consistency.
Enjoy with your favorite pasta, pizza, etc.!
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 120kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 4mg2%
- Sodium 110mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and has slight rounding.