Pesto Sauce Fresh Basil Pesto with Parmesan, Pine Nuts, and Garlic Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup pine nuts 3 garlic cloves, minced Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness) Directions: Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, cooled pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. Add Parmesan cheese and pulse a few more times to combine. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Pulse again to mix. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 minutes (toasting nuts) | Total Time: 12 minutes Kcal: 190 kcal per 2 tbsp serving | Servings: 6 servings #pestosauce #freshbasilpesto #homemadepesto #italiansauces #saucerecipe #pestopasta #easycondiments #basilrecipe #greenpesto #garlicandbasil #parmesanblend #nuttysauce #oliveoilmagic #quickpesto #simpleitalian #pestoforlife #pestolovers #dressingideas #kitchenstaples #herbsinmotion Whip up this homemade pesto in just 10 minutes! Bright, herby, and bursting with flavor—perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dipping!