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    Home » Recipes » Meatless Meals

    Pesto Sauce

    Modified: Apr 3, 2023 · Published: May 17, 2021 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · 5 Comments

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    Using just 5 ingredients, this homemade Pesto Sauce is packed with flavor and easy to prepare! Perfect on pasta, bread, pizza, and more!

    fresh pesto pasta with feta cheese on top

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    Making pesto has always meant that I buy the store packet of “pesto powder” and simply follow instructions on the packet.

    If you have ever tried the store-bought mix, you know that it really isn’t too similar to a homemade version. It is much more watery/oily, and the pesto/Basil flavor is not as strong.

    Once I grew Basil in my garden last year, I came up with a yummy Pesto, and from there, I now only make my own version. I find that it is much more flavorful and coats the pasta much better.

    Jump to:
    • Classic Pesto Sauce is incredibly simple and flavorful to make using only a handful of fresh ingredients!
    • What is pesto?
    • Can I add pine nuts to my pesto?
    • Can I freeze Pesto?
    • Flavor packed uses for pesto:
    • Homemade Pesto Sauce uses only a few simple ingredients to create a flavor packed sauce for many different uses! Print or save the recipe below and be sure to give it a try!
    • Homemade Pesto Sauce

    Classic Pesto Sauce is incredibly simple and flavorful to make using only a handful of fresh ingredients!

    This version is quite simple. In fact, you can have it ready to go within five minutes!! That is quicker than even the store-bought packets!!!

    Not only is this sauce great on pasta, but it also is wonderful on breads, veggies, used as a dip, and more!

    My family especially loves when I add some seasoned, diced chicken into the pasta with this sauce and make it a complete meal!

    fresh peso sauce created from only 5 simple ingredients

    What is pesto?

    Pesto is a sauce originating in Genoa, the capital city of Liguria, Italy. It traditionally consists of crushed garlic, European pine nuts, coarse salt, basil leaves, and hard cheese such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Sardo, all blended with olive oil.

    Can I add pine nuts to my pesto?

    Yes! Absolutely! In fact, classic pesto sauce includes pine nuts, but because I don’t always have those on hand, I tend to make mine without and add them in on the rare occasions I am stocked. A great alternative to pine nuts if you don’t have any, would be walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, or almonds. If using nuts, add about ⅓ cup.

    Can I freeze Pesto?

    Absolutely! However, if you are going to freeze it, simply omit the cheese as it does not freeze well. Prepare sauce as directed below and store in a freezer safe storage container until ready to use. Thaw and stir in the grated cheese and you are set!

    To store pesto sauce in the refrigerator, cover an airtight container with plastic wrap and ensure the plastic is touching the sauce. Then place lid on container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. By having the plastic wrap touch the sauce, this eliminates air pockets and keeps the pesto sauce from darkening in color.

    basil, garlic, parmesan, and oil blended into a pesto sauce

    Flavor packed uses for pesto:

    One Skillet Pesto Chicken and Veggies

    Pesto Chicken Sliders

    Mediterranean Pesto Pasta

    Slow Cooker Cheesy Pesto Pasta

    Homemade Pesto Sauce uses only a few simple ingredients to create a flavor packed sauce for many different uses! Print or save the recipe below and be sure to give it a try!

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
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    Homemade Pesto Sauce

    Recipe by: Kristin
    This Homemade Pesto Sauce is simple to make, packed with flavor, and a great way to use up on fresh Basil on hand!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Course lunch, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
    Servings 4
    Calories 299 kcal

    Equipment

    • Food Processor
    • Herb Scissors

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cups Basil *fresh
    • 4 garlic cloves *minced
    • ½ cup Parmesan, grated
    • ½ cup olive oil *see note above
    • 1 pinch salt

    Instructions
     

    • Add all ingredients to your food processor and blend on high until all is combined and sauce is formed. Add a bit more olive oil if preferred.
    • Use on breads, veggies, pastas, and more!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 299kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 5gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 202mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 583IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

     

    *Recipe updated and republished 5/17/2021 from 6/2013

    More Meatless Meals

    • a seafood dinner made with three ingredients over a bed of pasta.
      Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallops
    • sourdough bread with mashed avocado and toppings.
      Avocado Toast with Tomato
    • tender salmon with a crispy crust on a bed of rice.
      Parmesan Crusted Salmon
    • a white bowl with buttered Amish noodles.
      Amish Noodles
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    Comments

    1. Carol says

      April 02, 2022 at 8:02 am

      Why are there no pine nuts? I thought pine nuts were an absolute standard in pesto.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        April 02, 2022 at 9:28 am

        My family doesn’t like pine nuts in ours, so I omit, but you can definitely add some in if desired. If you add them, use about 2 tbsp worth and blend it with everything else!

        Reply
    2. hhhh says

      August 23, 2015 at 9:34 am

      hhhhhh

      Reply
    3. Anti says

      January 15, 2014 at 9:17 am

      How long would this last in the fridge?

      Reply
      • Kristin and Adriana says

        January 15, 2014 at 9:44 am

        About a week, but you could freeze it as well 🙂

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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