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Home » Appetizers & Sides

Published: Sep 29, 2020 · Modified: Sep 6, 2022 by Kelsey· This post may contain affiliate links ·

Fresh Basil Pesto

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Fresh basil pesto is the perfect companion for pastas, sandwiches, and even pizzas. The basil, garlic, and olive oil blend together to make the perfect flavor combination.

My mom grows fresh basil every summer and always sends me home with a bunch at the end of every trip home. This inspired me to come up with a delicious pesto recipe to use up all of that delicious basil.

Ingredients for basil pesto. A clear bowl filled with basil, kale, pepitas, garlic, and half a lemon.
Ingredients for fresh basil pesto

If you make a lot or don't have a use for the pesto right now, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for a couple months and enjoy it later!

Small mason jar filled with creamy green basil pesto garnished with a small piece of basil.
Basil Pesto

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Basil Pesto

Kelsey Riley
Fresh pesto is the perfect companion for pastas, sandwiches, and even pizzas. The basil, garlic, and olive oil blend together to make the perfect flavor combination.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Servings 8
Calories

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup basil
  • 1 cup kale
  • 2 cloves garlic medium
  • ½ cup pepitas can sub for pine nuts
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process/blend for about one minute.
  • Add more olive oil if you prefer a smoother consistency.
  • Add to your favorite pasta or sandwich, or use as a dip!
Tried this recipe?Tag @plantedinthekitchen or tag #plantedinthekitchen!
Small mason jar filled with creamy green basil pesto garnished with a small piece of basil.
Basil Pesto

If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Easy Vegan Lentil Bolognese next!

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About Kelsey

Planted in the Kitchen is a (mostly) plant-based food blog full of easy & flavorful recipes!

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Comments

  1. Thehealthyrabbitsrecipes says

    September 29, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    I’ve made pesto before and lemon juice and olive oil are the secret ingredients! This one with pepitas looks delicious! Will have to try this next time I make pesto!

    Reply
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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