Looking for a fresh last-minute condiment for pasta? This rich and creamy classic basil pesto takes minutes to prepare and requires only 3 ingredients-fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil.
I am infatuated with pesto. It’s a constant in my recipe rotation and you can almost always find a stash stored in the freezer. Everyone knows the dinnertime rush. I’d like to pretend that I have always have the inspiration and motivation to prepare an interesting, made-from-scratch dinner for the family, but that’s not the case. Life is busy-and weeknights are often way too stressful to spend time and effort in the kitchen. And that is why this pesto is a must-have in your fridge or freezer. Homemade basil pesto is unbelievably easy to make and it stores well, meaning it is the perfect condiment for a quick pasta dinner for the family.
While we visiting our family in Sardinia, Italy during the summer we have the luxury of having fresh, homegrown produce at our fingertips, including basil. If you grow your own basil, you probably know that you often end up with so much basil all at once that you don’t know what to do with it. Making pesto is probably your best choice in that case. You can make a big batch and freeze any leftovers. Ice cube trays are a good way to freeze pesto. Simply pour the pesto into the small cubes and freeze. You can also remove the pesto cubes from the ice cube tray once frozen and store in a freezer bag to reduce space.
Here are ways to incorporate pesto into meals;
- Add to tomato sauce
- Spread over grilled veggies
- Add to meatballs
- Spread on a sandwich or flatbread
- Mix with quinoa, rice or even in frittatas
- Add as a garnish for soup
- Mix into salad dressing
- Add to baked bread or savoury muffins, scones, etc.
- Smear on bruschetta
- Toss with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
Pesto lends to a variety of interpretations; replace basil with kale or spinach, and the pine nuts with roasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds.
Looking for more pesto-inspired recipes? Try these:
Shrimp Sweet Pea Pesto Risotto
Pesto Gnocchi N’ Cheese
Pesto Prosciutto Mozzarella Quinoa Arancini
Roasted Veggie Pesto Pasta
Pesto Caprese Quinoa Salad
If you try this recipe (and love it!) be sure to snap a pic and tag me onInstagram with #bitesforfoodies so I can see your creation!
Also, your Instagram Banner at the bottom of this page is awesome! I wish I knew how you did that!
Beautiful Blog! Sharing this recipe to Pinterest to use next summer when the basil is growing in my garden!
I don’t think I have EVER tried Pesto sauce! I do love pasta thought!
You have to try it! It’s such a light, easy to make alternative to traditional pasta sauce.
Definitely going to have to Pin this one. I have got to try it. Looks fabulous!
Thanks for pinning and sharing!
Oh wow. This is such a recipe to try – especially seems healthy as well.
It definitely is…and it lends for a light-tasting, healthy pasta dish!
So excited to see this recipe! I was just thinking that I could probably make my own pesto instead of buying it. Can’t wait to grow my own basil this summer and making this recipe.
Yes, you can! I’m sure it’ll taste better than store-bought 😉
Yummy! Pesto is everyone’s favorite here.. I find this healthier than the other sauces. Tomato is too acidic for me and Alfredo is too heavy. Thanks for sharing this recipe..
Where are you from? I agree with you too…I don’t digest tomatoes very well and I don’t eat dairy products (but I still think Alfredo is way too heavy!)
From Chennai, India 🙂 We are on the same page.. 🙂 BTW, your blog is amazing!
I didn’t know pesto was so popular there!! And thank you for the compliments about the Blog! 😉
Pesto is one of my favorite side dishes or condiments. It goes great with so many various dishes. I like how you incorporated pesto with so many dishes. You are my kind of people!
You’ve met another pesto aficionado 😉
I love pesto. I use it mostly on my pasta but boy it’s good. Thanks for your recipe. I’ll be trying it out soon.
It adds so much flavour to other dishes as well!
I have never tried pesto before!! This sounds amazing and delicious!
Never? You’re missing out, lol!
I’ve never try it before looks yummy and tasty.
I have never tried pesto before. Looks very interesting, will have to try soon.
I have always wanted to make fresh pesto, I never realized it was so easy. Definitely trying this recipe out!
It really is! When you make it yourself you can choose the freshest ingredients too, which makes a huge difference in flavour!
Oooh… this looks so yummy! i might try some for lunch, I think this might go nicely with a cheese muffin 🙂
Definitely! I think it goes well with almost everything, lol!
I had no idea it was this easy to make pesto! I’m pinning this to try soon!
It really is….and it tastes so much better than store bought!
That looks delicious!! I’m a huge fan of pesto and love mixing it with a good pasta!
Oooooo this pesto sounds pretty tasty!!! It’s been awhile since I had anything with pesto….. Totally could go for a bowl of pesto pasta now!
Maybe you’re due for some fresh pesto!!
I am embarrassed to admit that I have never even attempted making Pesto and rely on Pesto mix from some direct sales company. i will definitely have to give this recipe a try, you make it look so easy!
You will be amazed at how easy it is to make!! Just don’t skimp on the quality of ingredients…it makes all the difference!
i really need to try some of these recipes so i can eat better too. these are some really great ideas
Thanks! Pesto taste great in a ton of recipes!