Make this easy lemon-basil pesto. It is so refreshing, and the fresh gives the pesto that perfect lemony tang. You can also make it without the lemon.
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Total Time: 5 minutesmins
Servings: 8(Makes 1 - 1.5 cups)
Ingredients
2cupsfresh basil leaves, packed
3-5clovesgarlic, peeled
¼cuppine nuts
½cupgood extra virgin olive oil
zest and juice of 1 small lemon, or half of a large lemon
kosher salt to taste
freshly ground pepper to taste
¾cupfreshly grated parmesan cheese, only add upon serving
Instructions
Put basil, garlic, and nuts in food processor and pulse several times until chopped. Add olive oil and lemon zest with juice. Process until smooth and well blended. Transfer pesto to large bowl and season with kosher salt and fresh pepper, to taste.
If using immediately, add in Parmesan cheese and mix together well.
If saving for future use, just transfer pesto to airtight container (if desired, divide into 2 separate containers) and drizzle with bit of oil on top or place cling wrap directly on pesto to seal out air. Simply thaw and mix in the Parmesan cheese when you want to serve it up!