This Homemade Basil Pesto is so quick and easy to make with your homegrown fresh basil leaves!
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Although I totally admit I use the jarred store-bought pesto, you just can’t beat the freshness and flavor of making it with your own fresh basil.
How long does homemade basil pesto keep in the fridge?
Pesto is good for up to 5 days in the fridge (stored in an airtight container).
Can you freeze basil pesto?
Absolutely! I freeze pesto in snack size ziploc bags, but it can also be frozen in ice cube trays (covered tightly) or airtight containers. Homemade pesto is good for 3-4 months in the freezer.
Enjoy! 
Updated with new photographs and recipe slightly revised on February 25, 2019.
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Homemade Basil Pesto
Prep Time: 10 mins- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: Approximately 1-1/3 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian
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Pin RecipeIngredients
- 3–1/2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (rinsed and dried)
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (more or less, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper (more or less, to taste)
Instructions
- Place basil leaves and pine nuts in a food processor. Pulse until combined well.
- Add olive oil, a little at a time, pulsing in-between.
- Add Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until mixture is a smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper (if desired) and stir well to combine.
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Halley says
July 10, 2012 at 10:13 amI laughed out loud when I saw your cilantro picture — but only because that’s EXACTLY what my sad cilantro looks like right now. My basil is doing great, so I look forward to making this!
I’ve heard that cilantro prefers colder weather, and because it will re-seed itself, there’s hope that later in the summer it may be a little happier. I’ll cross my fingers for us both that there’s some truth to that!
The Blond Cook says
July 10, 2012 at 6:21 pmLOL! It makes me feel better to know that I’m not the only one having trouble growing cilantro. Thanks Halley, you gave me hope…I will keep watering it & cross my fingers it can somehow revive! 🙂