Easy Basil Pesto Recipe – Fresh, Vibrant & Vegan Options

Aromatic punch of fresh basil pesto

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This basil pesto recipe is fresh, quick, and full of flavor! Learn how to make easy homemade pesto sauce with basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan—or go dairy-free for the best vegan basil pesto variation.

Enhance your meals with a vibrant and fresh basil pesto sauce! This classic recipe will be ready in 5 minutes and can be easily modified to be vegan, nut-free, or full of fresh herbs and vegetables. It can be drizzled over pasta, roasted vegetables, grilled bread, or spiralised squash for a flavourful boost at any time of day.

“This vibrant basil pesto recipe is inspired by the classic Italian version on Food Network, but with a fresh lemon twist.”

Why Fresh Basil Pesto?

Nothing beats the aromatic punch of fresh basil pesto. Made with just a handful of ingredients—basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese—this sauce is simple yet full of flavor. Skip the cheese for an easy vegan pesto. Prep it in just one bowl and store leftovers in the fridge, topped with a light oil layer or plastic wrap to keep it vibrant green.

Basil Pesto Recipe Ingredients

• ½ cup toasted pine nuts (or swap for walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• ¼ tsp sea salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves (sub for mint, cilantro, or parsley)
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

How to Make Fresh Basil Pesto Sauce

For a quick homemade pesto, blend basil and nuts first before adding olive oil for a smooth texture.

• Pulse pine nuts (or your nut alternative), lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped.
• Add basil leaves and pulse until combined.
• With the processor running, drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
• Fold in Parmesan if using, and pulse briefly—add more olive oil for an ultra-smooth texture.

Pulse the basil and pine nuts until just combined—check out this quick food processor guide for perfect texture.

Tip: Store your pesto for up to a few days in an airtight container. Press a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface or drizzle with olive oil to keep it bright.

Vegan Basil Pesto Option

• Switch the nuts: try walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
• Seed-based swap: use pepitas or hemp seeds for nut-free pesto.
• Greens & herbs remix: replace half the basil with arugula, kale, or zucchini.
• Add bold flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, charred jalapeños, nutritional yeast, or artichoke hearts for a unique twist.

Serving Ideas

This pesto is ultra-versatile! Toss it with:

• Pasta or spaghetti squash
• Caprese salad or a rainbow grain bowl
• Baked dishes like zucchini casserole or mac & cheese
• Polenta, homemade pizza, or even swirl into scrambled eggs.

Toss with pasta (try healthy spaghetti squash recipe), swirl into creamy polenta, or spread over homemade pizza.

This basil pesto recipe is perfect for pasta, pizza, or roasted vegetables. With so many variations, you’ll never get bored of making fresh homemade pesto at home.

• Nutritionix lists around 84 kcal per tablespoon
• Eat This Much (Bella Terra brand) lists 80 kcal, with macronutrient breakdown: 90% fat, 5% carbs, 5% protein

Also Try: Garlic Rice | Green Bean Casserole