The Summer-Inspired Ina Garten Pesto Recipe for Summer Magic

Pesto buzzes with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Green and aromatic, this classic sauce captures the essence of fresh herbs and bold ingredients.

Bright basil leaves blend seamlessly with rich, nutty undertones that dance across your palate.

Traditional pesto carries generations of rustic cooking wisdom within its simple composition.

Each spoonful represents a delicate balance between robust and delicate flavor profiles.

Home cooks appreciate its remarkable versatility and potential for personalization.

Crafting your own pesto unlocks a world of delicious possibilities:

Creative Uses You’ve Never Tried

• Nutty Mediterranean Blend: Swap walnuts with almonds and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy, Mediterranean-inspired pesto that brings warmth to your dishes.
• Kale Power Pesto: Replace basil with hearty kale leaves and use pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts for a nutrient-dense, green pesto packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Roasted Garlic Infusion: Roast garlic cloves before adding to the processor for a mellow, caramelized flavor that adds depth and complexity to the traditional pesto recipe.
• Herb Garden Mix: Combine basil with fresh parsley, mint, and chives to create a vibrant, multi-herb pesto that offers a more complex and layered taste profile.

End With a Whiff of Fresh Basil Bliss

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s pesto masterpiece, inviting palates on an Italian-inspired journey.

Green herbaceous notes dance with nutty undertones, creating remarkable depth in mere minutes.

Processors become kitchen symphonies, transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary sauce.

Mediterranean flavors whisper stories of rustic kitchens and sunlit gardens.

Parmesan’s salty complexity elevates each spoonful beyond ordinary condiments.

Bold flavor seekers: click that share button, drop passionate comments below, and spread pesto passion across digital landscapes.

Why Ina’s Pesto Always Tastes So Fresh

• Blend with Ease: This pesto recipe uses a food processor, making preparation quick and effortless. No complicated chopping or manual mixing required, perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutty Complexity: The combination of walnuts and pine nuts creates a rich, multilayered flavor profile that elevates the traditional pesto. These nuts bring depth and a subtle crunch that makes each bite interesting and satisfying.
• Versatile Culinary Companion: Homemade pesto works magic on countless dishes – from pasta and sandwiches to grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Its vibrant green color and intense herbal notes transform ordinary meals into restaurant-worthy experiences.
• Smart Storage Solution: The clever olive oil top layer prevents oxidation, keeping the pesto fresh and green longer. Storing in the freezer means you can enjoy this delectable sauce weeks after preparation, making meal planning a breeze.

Blend Up These Greens for Bright, Bold Flavor

• Walnuts, Pine Nuts: Classic base for pesto with rich, buttery flavor and slight crunch; raw and unsalted nuts work best.
• Garlic: Provides sharp, pungent depth to the pesto; fresh cloves have more intense flavor than pre-chopped.

• Basil Leaves: Fresh, bright green leaves are key to authentic pesto; choose fragrant, vibrant leaves without brown spots.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of nuts and cheese; freshly ground pepper recommended.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds smooth texture and fruity notes; choose high-quality, cold-pressed variety.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity; freshly grated offers best flavor and smooth consistency.

How to Pulse the Perfect Pesto Every Time

Step 1: Gather Nutty Companions

• Walnuts
• Pine nuts
• Garlic cloves

Toss these into a food processor and pulse until they create a rough, textured blend that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 2: Embrace the Green Goodness

Introduce fresh basil leaves to the nutty mixture. Sprinkle in kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to awaken the flavors. Blend until the ingredients dance together smoothly.

Step 3: Stream in Liquid Gold

While the processor whirls, slowly drizzle extra virgin olive oil through the top opening. Watch as the mixture transforms into a silky, vibrant green sauce that promises incredible taste.

Step 4: Crown with Parmesan Magic

Shower the mixture with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the sauce reaches a creamy, luxurious consistency that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 5: Preserve and Protect

Transfer your homemade pesto to a clean storage container.

Tips to Keep It Vibrant and Not Bitter

• Lock in Vibrant Color: Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top of the pesto when storing to maintain its gorgeous green hue and prevent oxidation.
• Boost Nutty Depth: Lightly toast walnuts and pine nuts in a dry pan before blending to intensify their natural, rich flavor profile.
• Select Premium Basil: Choose only fresh, bright green basil leaves without bruises or wilting to guarantee the most aromatic and delicious pesto.
• Grate Cheese Moments Before: Shred Parmesan cheese directly before mixing to ensure maximum melting potential and authentic, rich taste.
• Blend with Precision: Stream olive oil slowly into the food processor while running to create a silky, perfectly emulsified sauce that coats pasta or spreads beautifully.

Storage Tips That Keep It from Browning

• Vacuum Seal: Extract all air from a high-quality vacuum-sealed bag before storing pesto. This method prevents oxidation and preserves the vibrant green color and fresh basil flavor for up to 2 weeks longer than traditional storage techniques. Press pesto smoothly into the bag, removing air pockets carefully.
• Olive Oil Barrier: Create a protective olive oil layer that shields pesto from air exposure. Pour a thin, even coating of extra virgin olive oil directly on top of the pesto surface before sealing the container. This technique prevents discoloration and maintains the sauce's original taste and texture for 7-10 days in the refrigerator.
• Mason Jar Method: Pack freshly made pesto into clean glass mason jars, leaving minimal headspace. Press down gently to eliminate air bubbles, then drizzle a light olive oil layer on top.

Ina Garten Pesto Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic pesto blends fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil into a silky smooth sauce. Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate, promising authentic Italian culinary magic in mere minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1 ½ cups olive oil
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Nuts and Aromatics:

• ¼ cup walnuts
• ¼ cup pignolis (pine nuts)
• 3 tablespoons chopped garlic (9 cloves)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Gather and prepare nuts and aromatics by combining walnuts, pine nuts, and finely chopped garlic in a robust food processor equipped with a steel blade. Pulse the mixture for approximately 30 seconds until achieving a coarse, textured consistency.
2. Introduce fresh basil leaves, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the nut mixture. Pulse several times to integrate the ingredients thoroughly and release the aromatic herbs’ essential oils.
3. Activate the food processor and gradually stream extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube in a steady, slow pour. Continue processing until the mixture transforms into a vibrant, cohesive emulsion with a glossy appearance.
4. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the processor to blend for an additional 45-60 seconds. Ensure the cheese integrates completely, creating a smooth and creamy pesto sauce with a rich, complex flavor profile.
5. For immediate serving, transfer the pesto to a serving bowl. If storing, carefully pour the sauce into an airtight glass container, smoothing the surface and drizzling a thin protective layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and maintain color vibrancy.
6. Refrigerate for up to 5-7 days or freeze in small portioned containers for extended preservation, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.

Notes

• Protect the pesto’s vibrant green hue by drizzling a thin olive oil layer on top when storing, preventing unwanted browning.
• Grate Parmesan cheese moments before mixing to unlock its most intense, creamy flavor profile that blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• Stream extra virgin olive oil gradually while blending, creating a silky-smooth texture that coats every ingredient perfectly.
• Carefully toast walnuts and pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant, releasing their deep, nutty essence before incorporating.
• Select only the brightest, most aromatic fresh basil leaves, ensuring maximum flavor and stunning color in your homemade pesto.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 92
• Sugar: 0.1g
• Sodium: 158mg
• Fat: 9.5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.9g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Protein: 1.4g
• Cholesterol: 2.6mg