Easy Pesto 5 ways

Whether you want the classic basil pesto, the oniony flavour of Chive, the freshness of Parsley & Coriander or earthy nutritious Spinach this flavour packed 5 minute pesto will have you never reaching for that shop bought package again. 

Bowl of green pesto sauce garnished with basil leaf

Whether you want the classic basil pesto, the oniony flavour of Chive, the freshness of Parsley & Coriander or earthy nutritious Spinach this flavour packed 5 minute pesto will have you never reaching for that shop bought package again. 

You can use this in one go for a beautiful pasta dish or store it in the fridge to use on pastry recipes, sandwiches, drizzle over pizza, salads and so much more.

You can use a food processor or a hand held blender or go traditional with a large pestle and mortar. If you want it runnier just add some more olive oil. If it’s for sandwiches and pastry recipes I normally make a thicker version, if it’s for pasta or to drizzle on pizza or salad I’ll make it thinner. 

Storage:

You can store in the fridge in an airtight clean jar for up to 5–7 days. 

If you make a thicker version of the pesto and store in the fridge you can take out what you need and stir in more olive oil before using to thin it out slightly. 

Variations of the classic basil pesto:

  • For Chive pesto,

  • Parsley pesto,

  • Coriander pesto

  • or Spinach Pesto

simply swap out half of the basil for the same quantity

  • Chive,

  • Parsley,

  • Coriander

  • or Spinach.

Example 30 g Basil and 30 g Chive

Easy Pesto 5 ways 

Prep time:

5 minutes

Cooking time:

5 min 

Ingredients

  • 60g Basil (approx 1 cup) 

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • 1/2 lemon juiced

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan 

  • 2 to 3 Tbs of pine nuts 

  • 1/2 cup olive oil to start 

  • Salt and pepper to taste 

Instrustions

  1. Add all the ingredients except the Olive Oil to the food processor and blend, you might need to scrape the sides a couple of times and continue blending.

  2. Once combined slowly add in your olive oil until you get the texture you like, you may end up adding more or less.

  3. Add to a container if you’re not using it all at once and store air tight in the fridge. 

  4. Be sure to use a clean spoon each time you take some out. 

    🫶 Enjoy D