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The Best Basil Lemon Pesto Recipe

Tera Altinay
Made with basil, pine nuts, lemon, olive oil, garlic, & parmesan, basil lemon pesto is a culinary gem that adds freshness to countless dishes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Equipment

  • 1 Food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cups fresh spinach packed
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a food processor (I recommend this food processor if you don't already have one), add the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic clove, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the pine nuts are coarsely minced.
  • Add the fresh basil leaves to the processor and continue to pulse until the mixture is well combined.
  • While the food processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil gradually. This will help achieve the desired consistency. For a creamier pesto, add more olive oil as needed.
  • Finally, add the grated parmesan cheese to the mixture and pulse briefly to incorporate it evenly.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
Keyword basil lemon pesto, lemon pesto, pesto