Fresh Basil Pesto

  • Prep 10 min
  • Total 10 min
  • Ingredients 5
  • Servings 10

Ingredients

  • 2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic

Steps

  • 1
    In blender or food processor, place all ingredients. Cover and blend on medium speed about 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape sides, until smooth.
  • 2
    Use pesto immediately, or cover tightly and refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 1 month (color of pesto will darken as it stands).

  • Substitute 1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh cilantro and 1/2 cup firmly packed fresh parsley for the basil.
  • Use food processor. Omit basil. Decrease oil to 1/3 cup; add 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (undrained).
  • Substitute 2 cups firmly packed fresh spinach and 1/2 cup firmly packed fresh basil leaves or 1/4 cup dried basil leaves for the fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 Tablespoons
Calories
160
Calories from Fat
130
Total Fat
15g
23%
Saturated Fat
3g
16%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
5mg
2%
Sodium
140mg
6%
Potassium
70mg
2%
Total Carbohydrate
1g
0%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Sugars
0g
Protein
4g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
15%
15%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
10%
10%
Iron
4%
4%
Exchanges:
0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 3 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
0
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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