This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure.
This 5-minute homemade pesto is made with the classic combination of basil, Parmesan, and pine nuts. It’s a great way to use up leftover herbs!
Pesto is such a versatile condiment. It can be a little pricey to pick up at the store, so why not save time and make this 5-minute homemade pesto instead?
This recipe truly couldn’t be more simple. Just add everything to your food processor and blend!
Once your pesto is ready, you can enjoy it on grilled veggies, tossed with your favorite pasta or zoodles, as a sandwich spread, as pizza sauce on a cauliflower crust, and so much more!
Give this easy recipe a try, and I bet you’ll find all kinds of uses for your fresh pesto.
How to make homemade pesto
If you have 5 minutes and 5 ingredients (plus salt and pepper), you have everything you need to whip up a batch of delicious pesto!
Step 1: Turn your food processor on, then add the garlic cloves while it’s running.
Step 2: Stop the motor, then add the basil, Parmesan, and pine nuts. Pulse a few times until the pine nuts are finely minced.
Step 3: Turn the processor back on, then add the olive oil in a steady stream. Process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed.
Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
That’s it! As long as you have fresh herbs, you never need to buy overpriced pesto from the store again.
Other ways to make pesto
This recipe is for a very classic pesto, but there are so many different ways you could make it! In fact, if you follow a simple process, you can put together a pesto recipe with any ingredients you like.
First, in place of basil, feel free to use any herb or leafy green. Parsley, Swiss chard, or even spinach works great! You need 2 cups total.
Next, you could swap out the pine nuts for another kind of nut. Walnuts, almonds, or pecans are all great options. You want about ⅓ of a cup, chopped.
Finally, pick a hard cheese like Parmesan, Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, etc. Soft cheeses may get stuck in your food processor, so stick with the firmer variety. You’ll need ½ a cup, grated.
Then throw it all in the food processor and blend it up! There are endless combinations to try, and I’m sure any version will be delicious.
Storage
I like to make a big batch of pesto so I have it ready to use whenever I want. Whether I’m adding it to a wrap or using it to marinate chicken, I’m always finding new ways to use it!
Once your pesto is blended, transfer it to a jar with a screw-top lid or an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Other easy condiment recipes
There are so many condiments that are surprisingly easy to make at home. That also means you can control the ingredients as well as the flavors!
Here are a few condiment recipes I recommend trying:
When you’ve tried this pesto, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked it and rate the recipe in the comments below!
5-Minute Homemade Pesto
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, (peeled)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- ⅓ cup olive oil, (extra-virgin)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Turn your food processor on, then add the garlic cloves while it’s running.3 cloves garlic
- Stop the motor, then add the basil, Parmesan, and pine nuts. Pulse a few times until the pine nuts are finely minced.2 cups fresh basil leaves, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ⅓ cup pine nuts
- Turn the processor back on, then add the olive oil in a steady stream. Process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed.⅓ cup olive oil
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.Kosher salt, Freshly ground pepper
