Name: Lemon Basil Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2-3 cups Basil Leaves (packed;); 1 clove Garlic (peeled;); 1/3 cup Pine Nuts (roasted;); 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated;); 1/2 cup Olive Oil (Extra Virgin); 1/2 Lemon (juiced and zested;); 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly grounded)

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Edyta

Author at Eating European

Recipe developer, photographer and the writer behind the Eating European food blog of European and Mediterranean healthy and delicious recipes

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If you have an abundance of basil now growing in your garden and are wonder what to do with all of it, then I’d suggest making this AMAZING Lemon Basil Pesto. It pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta, chicken or fish. And if you have leftovers, freeze it and have it at your fingertips whenever you need it!

What is Lemon Basil Pesto?

I bet all of you know what a classic pesto sauce; is but just in case you don’t… it’s a combination of:

Fresh basil leaves;
Pine nuts;
Garlic;
Parmesan cheese; and
Extra virgin olive oil

Here I tweaked this basil pesto recipe by adding lemon zest and lemon juice for an extra freshness. Lemon is typically known for amplifying flavors – and the same is true here. I think you’ll agree, that while a basil pesto is pretty bold in its original recipe, that this lemon twist adds an additional depth to it.

Trust me on this. It’s out of this world delicious!!!

How to Make Basil Pesto?

Making a Basil Pesto is super easy. You’ll just need to assemble all your ingredients and simply mince them in a blender.

First you will pulse in your blender:
- Basil;
- Nuts;
- Garlic;
- Lemon zest & lemon juice; and
- Salt & Pepper

Then you’ll gradually add extra virgin olive oil, while the blender is going;
And at the end you’ll add cheese and pulse until it’s fully incorporated.

Easy peasy! It literally cannot get any easier then that, right?

Can I Substitute any Other Greens, Instead of Basil?

Absolutely! It will not be a basil pesto then, but you can make pesto out of many different greens or combination of them. Here are some suggestions:

Parsley;
Cilantro;
Arugula

Pine Nuts Are Not Easy to Find. Can I Use Other Nuts Instead?

I get it. Pine nuts are not super easy to find, and they’re also not very cheep. I usually buy my nuts from Trader Joe’s, as they always have a nice selection and the prices are affordable. I buy roasted pine nuts. However, if they don’t have them for whatever reason, I’d buy raw ones and toast them on a frying pan until slightly brown (on each side for a few minutes).

If you don’t have Trader Joe’s close to your home, it may be more difficult to find pine nuts that don’t break the bank.

Instead you could use walnuts or almonds. If you don’t buy them roasted, then roast them for couple of minutes in a 350 F oven so they’re crunchy.

Can I Freeze Pesto Sauce?

Yes, that’s the best part. You can make a ton of pesto sauce and freeze it. Here’s my suggestion: use an ice cube tray and freeze as many cubes as you want.

Once they’re frozen, then transfer them into a ziploc bag. Be sure to add a date on the bag and store in your freezer for up to a couple of months.

What to Serve this Basil Pesto Sauce with?

You can serve it with:

Pasta (recipe for one is coming soon to the blog);
Roasted Chicken or this Magic Faux-Tisserie Chicken from Half Baked Harvest;
Veggie Burger;
Grilled Shrimp;
Baked Eggs with Tomatoes and Pesto;
Pesto Zucchini Noodles;
Antipasto Skewers, etc. (the possibilities are endless)

If you make this recipe, let me know in the comments how you liked it and what you chose to serve it with. I’m looking forward to seeing some nice creations.