By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 4
215 cal · 10 min
Fresh Basil Pesto
Recipe GLPR6739257cf0bcf5
A vibrant, herbaceous sauce made by blending fresh basil with garlic, toasted nuts, creamy butter, olive oil, and sharp cheese. This classic pesto comes together quickly in a food processor and can be served as a condiment with pasta, a dip for vegetables and bread, or a flavorful spread.
Save recipes you love
Create a free Grocery List Plus account to save recipes, rate them, and add every ingredient to your grocery list in one tap.
Ingredients
2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
2 garlic cloves
¼ cup toasted nuts (pine nuts, walnuts, pecans, or pistachios)
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
Directions
Add the packed basil leaves to a food processor or blender.
Add the garlic cloves and toasted nuts, pulsing briefly to break them down.
Pour in 1/4 cup of the extra-virgin olive oil and add the cooled melted butter. Pulse until the mixture reaches a coarse, chunky consistency.
Add the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil along with the coarse sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice. Pulse again until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Transfer the pesto to a serving bowl. Fold in the grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, or add it directly during blending if preferred.
Serve the pesto immediately over freshly cooked pasta, or use as a dip, spread, or condiment as desired.
Comments
Fresh basil forces a second stop—Harris Teeter and Kroger carry it year-round in Charlotte, but Food Lion, Walmart, and ALDI stock it inconsistently, especially outside summer. The 10-minute claim is honest for blending, though mincing garlic by hand and zesting lemon adds a real 5 minutes if you lack a food processor. At roughly $8 to $12 per serving depending on nut choice (pine nuts run $18 a pound; walnuts drop it to $2), this lands as a condiment for special meals rather than weeknight routine. It keeps refrigerated for days and freezes well, which makes it practical, but you are paying for quality ingredients and committing to having a food processor on hand.
Sign in or create a free account to add your review.
