Description
Zesty Lemon Pesto brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate, blending bright basil and tangy citrus with classic Italian charm. Crisp herb notes and rich olive oil create a quick sauce perfect for pasta, grilled meats, or fresh bread that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon
Oils and Seasonings:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Warm a dry skillet over medium heat and carefully toast pine nuts or walnuts, continuously stirring for 2-3 minutes until they turn a delicate golden hue. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Transfer cooled nuts to a food processor and add fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, freshly grated lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice.
- Pulse the ingredients until they form a coarse, textured blend with visible herb and nut fragments.
- With the food processor running, gradually stream in olive oil in a thin, steady drizzle, creating a smooth, velvety consistency.
- Taste the mixture and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your preferred flavor profile.
- Give the pesto a final quick pulse to ensure all ingredients are perfectly integrated.
- For immediate use, serve at room temperature. For storage, transfer to an airtight container and create a protective olive oil layer on top to prevent oxidation.
- Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for extended preservation, ensuring maximum freshness and vibrant flavor.
Notes
- Toast nuts carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching the skillet closely and stirring constantly.
- Try different nuts like walnuts or almonds for unique flavor variations and added nutritional benefits.
- Keep the pesto bright and fresh by using room temperature ingredients and processing just until combined to prevent over-blending.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for richer taste and consider reducing oil for a thicker, more concentrated pesto that’s lower in calories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 274
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg