Best 3 Best Pesto Recipes

Pesto is a vibrant, aromatic sauce that originates from the Liguria region of Italy, typically made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses, and extra-virgin olive oil. With its verdant hue, nutty flavor, and distinct garlicky aroma, pesto has become a versatile culinary staple, enjoyed as a condiment, marinade, or a flavorful addition to pasta, meats, and vegetables. Whether you prefer a traditional Genovese pesto or a modern twist with arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers, finding the best pesto recipe can transform your kitchen adventures and elevate your dishes to new heights of flavor and delight.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BEST RED PESTO SAUCE

Best Red Pesto Sauce image

This is a fantastic Pesto recipe, one that I make all the time....I usually make lots, and store in my freezer in icecube containers, so I have it ready to add to pasta recipes....when added to any tomato sauce, it seems to always taste better.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories Sauces

Time 20m

Yield 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1/2 cup sun-dried tomato, drained and chopped
3 cups fresh basil leaves (loosely packed)
3 -4 cloves fresh garlic
1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup romano cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts or 1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
black pepper

Steps:

In a food processor or blender, blend the tomatoes, basil and garlic.
Add the grated cheese, nuts and 1/4 cup olive oil; blend well.
Add the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, salt and pepper; blend well.
Store in the fridge, or separate evenly in icecube containers and freeze.
Use in pasta dishes.

THE BEST PESTO EVER

The Best Pesto Ever image

This is the most authentic homemade pesto recipe I have ever had! The perfect combination of ingredients that result in the perfect pesto! Store pesto in the fridge for 1 month, or in the freezer for 4-6 months.

Provided by RecipeAddict

Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

¼ cup walnuts
2 tablespoons pine nuts
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon softened butter
¾ cup firmly packed basil leaves
¼ cup firmly packed parsley leaves
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup freshly grated Romano cheese

Steps:

Place walnuts, pine nuts, salt, pepper, garlic, butter, basil, and parsley in to a blender or food processor. Turn the blender on, and add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream. Continue processing until a soft paste has formed. Fold in Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Store in the refrigerator covered by 1/4 inch of olive oil to prevent the surface from turning brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 274.9 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 13.9 mg, Fat 27.9 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 332.7 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

HOMEMADE BEST-O PESTO EVER

Homemade Best-O Pesto Ever image

In all seriousness, this homemade pesto recipe has changed my level of 'chefworthiness' in the eyes of friends and family. My husband swears I could make millions off of just this recipe! Of course I am still just a wannabe cook...but this simple pesto recipe could fool the best of them! The simplicity and the quality of the ingredients is what makes it so fantastic.

Provided by GlutenFreeBudgetGuru

Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes

Time 5m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

¼ cup pine nuts
¼ cup almonds
3 cloves garlic
4 cups loosely packed fresh basil
1 ¼ cups olive oil, or more as needed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

Pulse pine nuts, almonds, and garlic in a food processor for about 20 seconds. Add basil, 1 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend for about 1 minute. Add additional olive oil until desired consistency is reached.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.6 calories, Carbohydrate 1.3 g, Fat 19.2 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 1.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 146.4 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

Tips for Making the Best Pesto:

Use fresh basil. Fresh basil has the best flavor, so use it whenever possible. If you can't find fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but the flavor will not be as good.
Choose the right nuts. Pine nuts are the traditional nut for pesto, but you can also use walnuts, almonds, or pistachio. Each nut will give the pesto a different flavor, so experiment to find your favorite.
Use a good quality olive oil. The olive oil is a key ingredient in pesto, so it's important to use a good quality oil. Extra virgin olive oil has the best flavor, but you can also use regular olive oil.
Don't over-process the pesto. Pesto should be a coarse sauce, so don't over-process it in the food processor or blender. Just pulse it until the ingredients are combined.
Season the pesto to taste. Pesto should be flavorful, so season it to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. You can also add other herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to taste.

Conclusion:

Pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used on a variety of dishes. It's perfect for pasta, pizza, sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables. With these tips, you can make the best pesto at home. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your perfect pesto recipe.