Basil Pesto Sauce
This easy basil pesto sauce recipe with walnuts and spinach tastes amazing and is ready in 5 minutes! It's the best pesto for pasta and more!
Servings: 1.5 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil tough stems removed
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach tough stems removed
- 1/2 cup walnuts (see notes for options)
- 1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 5 - 6 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice - fresh is best.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper or to taste.
Instructions
- Add the nuts and the garlic to the food processor. Secure the lid and blend for 15 seconds. Turn off and scrape the sides if needed.
- Add the basil, spinach, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Secure the lid and blend on the lowest setting. While blending the basil and spinach, slowly pour in the lemon juice and olive oil through the feed tube. Blend until it is thoroughly mixed. Scrape the sides if needed.
- Turn off the processor and add the grated parmesan cheese. Secure the lid and puree in 15-second intervals, scraping the sides in between intervals, until the pesto is blended to your liking. Once thoroughly blended, do a taste test and add additional salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Store the pesto in an airtight container, like a mason jar, in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Nuts: You can use raw walnuts or these delicious Italian Herb Walnuts. Macadamia nuts, Pistachios, and pine nuts are great substitutes.