Pesto is one of those things that you can make in a matter of minutes but tastes like you spent hours preparing it. It’s so easy to prepare and it’s full of great flavor. This Sweet Basil Pesto takes about 5 minutes to make and can be used in a variety of ways.
Sweet Basil Pesto
Sweet Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 handful (about a cup) of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 large garlic clove
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Making this Sweet Basil Pesto is extremely easy. You all know that if I can do it, anyone can do it. It all starts with a handful of fresh sweet basil, fresh, aromatic garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts and extra virgin olive oil.
Unlike dipping crusty bread right into the olive oil, blending a full-bodied version with fresh ingredients gives this Sweet Basil Pesto a strong flavor that really shines however you decide to use it.
The perfect serving suggestion: freshly baked focaccia bread topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato slices and this homemade sweet basil pesto.
I don’t always have to prepare an extravagant lunch, but when I make this Baked Focaccia with mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil pesto, it sure tastes like I did. Serve alongside a hot soup of your choice and you have a lunch that’s not only easy, but a delight for your taste buds.
If you’re looking for ways to get the kids in the kitchen to help you, this is one of those times that it’s easy enough that they can offer a helping hand. Allow them to measure out the ingredients and place them in the food processor. I’m learning I should have started when my children were much younger, but starting anytime is better than not starting at all!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy pesto?
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That looks so delicious! I love pesto on almost everything. I even love to use it straight up with my noodles and some butter.
Pam says
I love pesto. We actually have a lot of basil growing in our garden this year so I need to make some.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I am not a fan of basil, but my husband loves it. I bet he would love this Sweet Basil Pesto recipe!
Jeanine says
Yum this looks and sounds delicious! I love pesto its one of my favorite things, so I would for sure love this one!
Liz Mays says
Oh this would be so tasty. I’d love to try using this pesto on a few different recipes.
Ann Bacciaglia says
These photos are making me so hungry. I am excited to try this recipe. I love Pesto and this looks so easy to make.
Diana says
All that’s growing (surviving) now are tomatoes and basil so this is perfection!! Food processors save my life – and my husbands (bc if I didn’t cook he’d starve).
Meagan says
I will definitely have to try this with some of our new meals we are trying out.
felicia says
These sandwiches are gorgeous. I need a good pesto sandwich in my line up!
kristin says
Oh this looks delicious and easy! I’m always looking for flavorful additions to my sandwiches and this sounds perfect.
Sarah says
omg that looks ssssssooooooo good. cant wait to try it!!
Jocelyn says
A basil pesto looks delicious to make up and have as an addition to my lunch time sandwich. I will have to make this, seems easy enough.
Kristi says
Our family loves pesto so this looks like a prefect new recipe to try. Would be great to eat it outside on the deck some evening.
Rosey says
Oh boy, I do love pesto. This sounds amazing to me!
Karla says
I’ve always liked some greens and herbs with my food. This one is really decorative for my tastes in a lot of ways and I also like it with some hot soup.
Toni says
I love anything with basil. I really need to try making pesto, I bet I would really enjoy ti.
Amber Edwards says
I love pesto! It is such a great flavor. I don’t know why i don’t make it more often, you make it look so easy!
Jennifer says
That looks so yummy. My sister recently turned me on to pesto, and I can’t get enough of it!
Allie D. says
I love pesto! It’s so easy to make, smells amazing, and is totally delicious! Can’t wait to try out your recipe!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
Recipes that are easy to make are my favorite ones! I do like pesto, particularly on pasta, but it can’t have pine nuts.
Nikki Wayne says
I like pesto sauce in my pasta. I want to try this recipe, looks really yummy.
Lorraine says
Can you leave out the pine nuts if one is allergic to them? Or what could be substituted (peanut/tree nut allergy)
Crystal says
Hi Lorraine,
Are sunflower seeds considered a tree nut? I was going to recommend almonds but I believe they are tree nuts. Or pumpkin seeds. Those would probably be good. I’ve never tried any of these, but I don’t see why they couldn’t work as a substitute.