Pesto Genovese
This authentic pesto from Genoa is the real deal! Stick to the recipe as close as possible to keep it Pesto Genovese. Use on zoodles, grilled meats, or in salad dressings!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time0 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Authentic Pesto, Italian Pesto, Pesto Genovese
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 158kcal
- 50 grams Genovese Basil or sweet basil
- 1/3 cup parmigiano reggiano
- 2 tablespoons pecorino
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2-1 teaspoon sea salt to taste
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Add washed and dried basil leaves to a food processor, and process to chop up the leaves.
Into the food processor, add pine nuts, the cheeses, garlic, and sea salt. Process to combine and fully break up the garlic clove.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle the olive oil in to the processor.
Taste the pesto, and season with additional garlic and sea salt, if necessary. Pesto is a salty, very flavorful sauce – so it can add a vibrant flavor to whatever dish you add it to.
How to Store
Pesto stays fresh stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
It also freezes well. Add leftover pesto to a small jar or storage container, and freeze up to 3 months.
How to Serve Italian Pesto
Pesto is a delicious condiment that adds a burst of fresh flavor to meals!
While its most common use is on pasta, it’s equally as delicious on a variety of dishes.
Pesto Zoodles or Spaghetti Squash
If you’re craving an authentic-feeling Italian meal, twirl up some zoodles with this flavorful basil sauce.
You can also pull the strands from a baked spaghetti squash, and toss them with the sauce!
Pesto Chicken
Grill or saute chicken, and use pesto as a finishing sauce to add flavor and healthy fats.
Pesto Salmon
Add pesto to grilled or broiled salmon. We love this low carb Pesto Salmon recipe with veggies.
Salad Dressing
When I have leftover pesto, I shake it up with some white wine vinegar and a bit of lemon juice. If necessary, thin with additional olive oil. It’s a flavorful salad dressing! Try on Keto Breakfast Salads.
On Veggies
Jazz up steamed or roasted veggies with a drizzle of Pesto Genovese!
As a Pizza Sauce
Pesto is a delicious swap for tomato based pizza sauce! Try this cauliflower crust for a healthy low carb option.
Calories: 158kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 227mg | Potassium: 22mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg