Fresh Springtime Pesto Recipe

A Lighter, Brighter Twist

This pesto recipe is a refreshing take on the classic Italian sauce, perfect for the arrival of spring vegetables. Its light and drizzly texture makes it ideal for topping meats, fish, or a simple caprese salad, and it’s also a great pasta sauce.

Easy to Make, Easy to Love

This recipe requires only 20 minutes of prep time and eight simple ingredients, making it a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. It yields about 3/4 cup of pesto, perfect for sharing or storing for later.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves (from about 1 large bunch)
• 1/4 cup packed fresh Italian parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce)

Let the Magic Happen

In a food processor fitted with a blade attachment:
  process pine nuts until finely ground (about 20 seconds)
  add salt, pepper, garlic, basil, and parsley; process until puréed (about 15 seconds)
  with processor running, slowly add olive oil in a thin stream until incorporated
  add Parmesan and pulse a few times to combine
  taste and adjust seasoning as needed

Storing Your Masterpiece

If you’re not using your pesto immediately, simply cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Alternatively, freeze it in small containers for later use.