Basil Pesto

One of my favourite things about the summer is all of the fresh basil and one of my favourite things to do with the basil is to make basil pesto. Basil pesto is as easy to make and pureeing everything in a food processor and it captures the essence of summer perfectly. The easiest way to enjoy basil pesto is on pasta but you can also use it as a condiment and it adds a ton of summery fresh flavour to whatever you add it to and I particularly like adding it to sandwiches. Another great thing about basil pesto is that it freezes well so you can save some of summers essence for later. If you plan on freezing it omit the parmigiano-reggiano and add it when you thaw it out.

Basil Pesto

(makes 1 cup)
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup basil (packed)
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons pine nuts (toasted)
1/4 cup parmigiano-reggiano (grated)
3 tablespoons olive oil
lemon juice to taste (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Place everything into a food processor and blend.

Use in:
Caprese Chicken Pesto Pasta
Parmesan Crusted Pesto Tilapia Bruschetta
Bruschetta Chicken Pesto Tart
Diced Caprese Salad
Creamy Pea and Artichoke Pesto Pasta Salad
Grilled Portobello and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich with Pesto
Diced Caprese Salad with a Pesto Dressing
Caprese Sandwich
Asparagus and Zucchini Farro Salad
Tilapia with Pesto and Roasted Tomatoes
Slow Roasted Tomato BLT
Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Tomato and Basil Pesto Parmesan Tart
Asparagus, Baby Artichoke, Pesto and Goat Cheese Quiche with Quinoa Crust
Pesto Guacamole
Pesto Zucchini Fritters with Caprese Bruschetta Topping
Creamy Parmesan Tomato and Spinach Tortellini Soup
Pesto Zucchini and Corn Quinoa Salad

Similar Recipes:
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
Pistachio Asparagus Pesto Pasta
Spinach Pesto (aka Spanakopita Pesto)
Swiss Chard Pesto
Roast Zucchini Salsa
Grilled Eggplant and Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich with Halloumi
Pesto Grilled Shrimp Caprese Quesadillas