Name: Easiest Basil Pesto Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 2 cloves garlic; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Fresh, vibrant, and loaded with flavor, this Easiest Basil Pesto Sauce is your new go-to for transforming any meal into something special. Whether you’re spooning it over pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a dip, this classic Italian sauce bursts with the bold taste of basil, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil.

The beauty of homemade pesto lies in its simplicity and adaptability. With just a few quality ingredients and a blender or food processor, you can whip up a jar of bright green pesto in minutes. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up an abundance of fresh basil from your garden or farmers’ market haul.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the Easiest Basil Pesto Sauce, you’ll need a few kitchen basics that make a big difference:

Food Processor or High-Speed Blender: This is the heart of pesto-making. It helps emulsify the oil and thoroughly combines the ingredients into a creamy, spoonable texture.
Silicone Spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the processor so nothing goes to waste.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters, especially with the oil-to-solid ratio.

Airtight Jar or Container: Pesto is best when stored properly to maintain its vibrant green color and fresh taste. A glass container is ideal.

These tools ensure smooth blending, easy cleanup, and long-lasting storage.

Ingredients for the Easiest Basil Pesto Sauce

Fresh Basil Leaves – The star of the show. Basil adds that unmistakable peppery, sweet flavor that makes pesto irresistible.

Garlic Cloves – Just a couple go a long way in giving your pesto a sharp, aromatic kick.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth that rounds out the freshness of the basil.
Pine Nuts – These soft, buttery nuts provide body and a subtle richness.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A quality oil is essential. It binds everything together while adding its own fruity notes.
Salt – Brings all the flavors into harmony.

How To Make the Easiest Basil Pesto Sauce

Step 1: Toast the Pine Nuts

Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. This step deepens their flavor without overpowering the basil.

Step 2: Blend the Basil and Garlic

In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves and peeled garlic cloves. Pulse several times until the leaves are roughly chopped.

Step 3: Add Pine Nuts and Cheese

Add the toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan. Pulse again until everything is finely minced.

Step 4: Slowly Add the Olive Oil

With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil slowly. This emulsifies the mixture into a smooth, spreadable sauce.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Add salt gradually, tasting as you go. Blend one final time until everything is fully combined.

How to Serve and Store This Pesto Sauce

Basil pesto is endlessly versatile. Toss it with hot pasta for an instant dinner, spread it on toasted baguette slices for a quick appetizer, or swirl it into soups and salad dressings for a flavor boost. It also makes a dreamy drizzle over grilled vegetables, chicken, or even eggs.

For storing, transfer the pesto to an airtight container and smooth the top. Add a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to prevent oxidation, then refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze it in silicone ice cube trays and pop out portions as needed for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of pine nuts?

Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds can be great substitutes with slightly different flavor profiles.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

You can, but fresh grated Parmesan will give a creamier texture and richer taste.

How do I keep my pesto bright green?

Blanching the basil leaves for a few seconds before blending helps preserve color, or simply store with an oil layer on top to block air.

Is pesto gluten-free?

Yes, this sauce is naturally gluten-free as it contains no grains or flour.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your food processor can handle the volume, or blend in batches.

Want More Sauce Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this fresh and flavorful basil pesto, here are more homemade sauces and spreads from Life With Olivia you’ll want to try next:

Mediterranean Feta Dipping Oil Recipe – Tangy and herby with a creamy finish.
Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails – Use the garlic butter on pasta or veggies too.

Sweet & Savory Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken – The sauce in this recipe is pure magic.
Pan-Seared Mediterranean Cod in Tomato Basil Sauce – A tomato-based sauce rich with fresh herbs.
Creamy Garlic Orzo with Lemon Chicken Meatballs – Garlic-laced goodness you’ll want on everything.

And for even more homemade sauces and everyday favorites, follow me on Pinterest at Life With Olivia. I share my daily recipes there!

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sauce board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how you used your pesto. Did you go classic with pasta or try something creative like a pesto pizza or deviled eggs?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Got a question? Drop it below so we can all learn together.

Easiest Basil Pesto Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 13 minutes

Yield: 1 cup
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easiest Basil Pesto Sauce is the ultimate quick-fix condiment to elevate your meals. Made with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil, it blends into a velvety, bright green sauce that’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, dips, or marinades. Store it in the fridge or freezer and add a burst of flavor to your dishes whenever needed.