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Homemade basil pesto without nuts or cheese, served in a clear container with a spoon, made with fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil.

Homemade Basil Pesto (No Nuts or Cheese)

A fresh, flavorful homemade basil pesto made with just three simple ingredients: fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, and garlic. Made without nuts or cheese, this versatile pesto is perfect for pasta, sauces, sandwiches, and many other dishes. Make a batch and freeze portions for convenient use whenever you need them.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 24 (2 tablespoons each)
Ingredients Instructions Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh basil (weighed with stems)
  • 5 fl oz extra virgin olive oil
  • 5-6 cloves garlic (peeled)

Method
 

  1. Weigh 1 lb of fresh basil with the stems attached. Remove the leaves from the stems and discard the stems
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  2. Place the basil leaves in a high-powered blender.
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  3. Add the extra virgin olive oil and peeled garlic cloves.
  4. Blend on high speed for approximately 1 minute, or until smooth and well combined.
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  5. Transfer the finished pesto to a clean, airtight container. Use immediately or store for later use.

Notes

Chef's Tip: Homemade basil pesto is incredibly versatile. Use it in pasta dishes, sauces, marinades, sandwiches, and many other recipes.
For convenient storage, divide the pesto into small, airtight, freezer-safe portions and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator when needed.
This pesto is made without nuts or dairy ingredients. If preparing it for someone with food allergies, be sure to prevent cross-contact with allergens during preparation and storage.