Although basil isn’t the only herb with which you can make pesto, it is the herb most closely associated with pesto. All pesto recipes are simple to make and the core ingredients of fresh basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper are the same for every recipe.

A garlic clove is optional, based on taste, as is the addition of Parmesan cheese.

The quantities of ingredients vary depending on desired consistency and taste, but unless specified, the ingredients below will make approximately 1 cup.

2 cups of fresh basil leaves
1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Once the basil washed and all other ingredients prepared, simply add all ingredients to a blender until you have the consistency you are looking for.

BASIL PESTO
Contains all the above ingredients

BASIL PARSLEY PESTO
Reduce fresh basil leaves to one cup and add one cup of fresh parsley.

BASIL MINT PESTO
Reduce fresh basil leaves to one cup and add one cup of fresh mint.

BASIL SPINACH PESTO
A perfect solution when you have extra spinach on hand, substitute one cup of fresh basil with one cup of fresh washed spinach.

BASIL AVOCADO PESTO
A creamy delicious pesto, perfect with eggs on toast, just switch out one cup of basil for one cup of avocado.

BASIL KALE PESTO
For kale lovers, this is a great recipe, just trade a cup of basil for a cup of washed, shredded kale.

BASIL PESTO WITH PINE NUTS
Using the core ingredients (above) add 1/2 to 1/3 cup of pine nuts. The pine nuts may be lightly toasted or used without toasting.

BASIL PESTO WITH WALNUTS
Using the same measurements as the pine nut recipe, added crushed walnuts, toasted or not toasted, make this a favorite.

BASIL PESTO WITH PISTACHIO NUTS
If you love pistachios then you’ll love this basil pistachio combination in a pesto. Just add 1/2 to 1/3 cup to the blender with the other ingredients.

BASIL PESTO WITH ALMONDS
Crush almonds or use almond slivers, 1/2 to 1/3 cup to the basic basil pesto recipe.

There are many other combinations to try out such as basil with parsley and pine nuts or basil with mint and pistachios, that’s all part of the fun.

10 ways to make Basil Pesto

Although basil isn’t the only herb with which you can make pesto, it is the herb most closely associated with pesto. All pesto recipes are simple to make and the core ingredients of fresh basil leaves, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper are the same for every recipe.

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