Pesto Sauce

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Ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant world of pesto sauce?

Pesto Sauce

Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!

Pesto sauce is like a magical elixir that effortlessly transforms ordinary dishes into culinary masterpieces. So, let’s embark on this flavorful journey and discover the wonders of pesto sauce!

First things first, what exactly is pesto sauce?

Well, imagine a concoction that combines the freshness of basil leaves, the nuttiness of almonds, the sharp tang of garlic, and the creamy silkiness of olive oil. Throw in some grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and you’ve got yourself a luscious, aromatic pesto sauce. It’s like capturing the essence of summer and bottling it up for year-round enjoyment.

One of the things I absolutely adore about pesto sauce is its versatility. It’s like a chameleon in the culinary world, effortlessly adapting to any dish it encounters. Whether you’re a pasta lover, a pizza enthusiast, or a sandwich connoisseur, pesto sauce has got your back. Picture a bowl of al dente pasta generously coated in vibrant green pesto, the basil dancing with the noodles, creating a symphony of flavors with every bite. Can you taste it? Trust me, it’s mind-blowing!

But wait, there’s more! Pesto sauce is not limited to pasta alone. It has the power to breathe new life into your homemade pizzas, taking them from ordinary to extraordinary. Swap out the traditional tomato sauce for a vibrant green pesto base, and watch your taste buds do a happy dance. Top it off with some fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and maybe a drizzle of balsamic glaze if you’re feeling adventurous. Your taste buds won’t know what hit them!

Oh, and did I mention that pesto sauce is an absolute superhero when it comes to sandwiches? Wave goodbye to boring mayo and mustard and say hello to the boldness of pesto. Slather it on a crusty baguette and layer it with succulent grilled chicken, juicy tomatoes, and peppery arugula. The result? A sandwich that will make your taste buds sing in harmony.

Now, let’s talk about the homemade magic of pesto sauce.

While store-bought options are convenient, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own pesto from scratch. It’s surprisingly simple too! Just grab a bunch of fresh basil leaves, toss them into a food processor along with some almonds, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Give it a whirl until you achieve a smooth, velvety consistency, and voila! You’ve just unlocked the secret to culinary bliss.

Whether you’re cooking up a storm for a fancy dinner party or simply indulging in a solo culinary escapade, pesto sauce will always have your back. Its versatility, freshness, and undeniable flavor make it a superstar in the world of sauces. So, go ahead, grab that basil, crank up the food processor, and unleash the magic of pesto in your kitchen!

 

What you’ll need:

  • Blender or food processor

I LOVE my Nutribullet. I use it for all types of things. I’ve had a bullet my entire marriage. Each time one stops working, I quickly replace it with another. I run these machines into the ground, and even still, they hold up great! I HIGHLY recommend every household has a Nutribullet.

 

Ingredients:

  • Fresh basil
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Almonds (whole or sliced)
  • Minced garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

This recipe comes together in a breeze! Just toss all the ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth. If your mixture is too thick, slowly add a little bit of olive oil until you reach a smooth consistency.

Pesto start to finish

 

That’s it! So easy, right?! But don’t take my word for it. Make yourself some basil today!

 

*Most basil recipes call for pine nuts. I have changed it almonds, on account of having too many family members that are allergic to pine nuts, and other  nuts. Almonds are usually the safest almonds, though, not always. You can swap them out for pine nuts, or even cashews. If allergies aren’t an issue for you, then use whatever you have on hand.

 

This recipe is perfect by itself, but it is also great used with other foods! I use it in my Tomato Basil Soup recipe, make a Creamy Pesto Pasta, use it as the basil on Bruschetta, or create a Pesto Aioli to use on sandwiches and wraps.

No matter how you use it, enjoy it! I know I do!

Pesto Sauce

Pesto is a vibrant Italian sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil. It's known for its bright green color and intense flavor. It's commonly used as a pasta sauce, spread, topping, or dip, and offers a delightful combination of herbal, nutty, and savory notes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, washed
  • 1/2 cup almonds, sliced or whole
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Add all the ingredients to your blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Notes

Use basil immediately, refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks, or freeze it for up to 6 months.
Keyword Refreshing, Rich, Savory