Description
A quick and flavorful homemade pesto recipe combining fresh basil, parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and blue cheese, perfect for enhancing pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups fresh basil (packed)
- 2 cloves garlic cloves (fresh)
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
Cheese and Nuts
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Oils
- ½ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, pulse together the fresh basil, parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, blue cheese, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano until coarsely mixed.
- Incorporate Olive Oil: Run the food processor continuously while slowly pouring in the olive oil until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. If any ingredients remain unincorporated, mix gently with a spoon to finish blending.
- Serve or Store: Use the pesto immediately to enjoy its fresh flavors, or chill in the refrigerator until ready to use. It can be stored covered for a few days.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast pine nuts before adding.
- Substitute blue cheese with feta for a milder taste.
- Add more lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.
- Store pesto in an airtight container topped with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve freshness.
- This pesto freezes well in ice cube trays for later use.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
