Basil Pesto with a Little Shop Twist
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The Pesto That’ll Steal the Show
There’s something about fresh basil pesto that just feels like summer. It’s bright, vibrant, and full of that fresh, herby flavor that instantly makes everything taste a little more special.
This version keeps all the classic elements you love—fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese—but adds a Little Shop twist that brings even more depth and balance. Traditionally, pesto is made with just a handful of ingredients like basil, olive oil, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan, creating a fresh, uncooked sauce that’s simple but incredibly flavorful.
By using our premium olive oil and a touch of balsamic, you get something a little more layered. The olive oil gives it that smooth, rich base, while the balsamic adds a subtle brightness that enhances the basil without overpowering it. It’s still classic, just a little more elevated.
Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or spooning over grilled chicken and vegetables, this is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Basil Pesto
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Dressings & Sauces
Cuisine
Italian-Inspired
Author:
The Little Shop of Olive Oils
Servings
6
Prep Time
10 minutes
Calories
200
A fresh and vibrant basil pesto made with premium olive oil and a hint of balsamic for a bright, flavorful twist on the classic Italian sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a twist)
- 3 garlic cloves
-
1/2 cup Lemon Olive Oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
Directions
- In a food processor, pulse the basil, garlic, and nuts until finely chopped.
- Add Parmesan and pulse again until well combined.
- With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and silky.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired.
- Spoon into jars, top with a bit of extra olive oil, and store in the fridge—or slather on toast immediately and devour.
Recipe Note
Optional Variations
Swap nuts for sunflower seeds for a nut-free version
Add spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile
Use pecorino cheese for a sharper taste
Add chili flakes for a little heat
Thin with pasta water when tossing with pasta
Tracey’s Notes
This is one of those recipes that’s simple, but really lets good ingredients shine. The fresh basil keeps it bright, the olive oil makes it smooth and rich, and that little splash of balsamic just pulls everything together. It’s easy, versatile, and one of those things you’ll want to keep in your fridge all summer long.
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Nutrition Serving Size
- 2 Tbsp
- per serving
- Calories
- 200
- Fat
- 20 grams
- 26%
- Saturated Fat
- 3 grams
- 15%
- Cholesterol
- 8 milligrams
- 3%
- Sodium
- 150 milligrams
- 7%
- Carbs
- 3 grams
- 1%
- Sugar
- 1 grams
- 0%
- Protein
- 4 grams
- 8%
- Calcium
- 80 milligrams
- 6%
- Iron
- 1 milligrams
- 6%
- Potassium
- 120 milligrams
- 2%