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Basil Pesto

This homemade basil pesto is surprisingly easy to make with a handful of fresh and flavorful ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Sauces
Servings 1 jar

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup walnuts lightly toasted
  • 2 cups basil leaves washed and packed
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1/3 cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Add the toasted nut along with the basil, garlic, salt and parmesan cheese; pulse until finely chopped (scrape down the sides of the food processor if needed).
  • Then add olive oil and lemon juice and pulse few more times until smooth.
  • Season with more salt to taste if desired.

Notes

  1. Toast the nuts or seeds for extra flavor: In a medium skillet, toast the nuts/seeds over medium heat, stirring frequently (don’t let them burn!), until nice and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour them into a bowl to cool for a few minutes.
  2. MAKE IT DAIRY FREE/VEGAN: Replace the Parmesan with 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast.
  3. MAKE IT NUT FREE: Use pine nuts, pepitas or sunflower seeds.