6 Homemade Pesto Recipes You Need to Try

Fresh, Flavorful, and Packed with Nutrition

Introduction

Pesto isn’t just about basil and pine nuts. This versatile, vibrant green sauce can be made with everything from mint to spinach, carrot tops, and even arugula. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, spreading it on toast, or using it as a dip, homemade pesto elevates any dish with its fresh flavor and nutritional punch.

In this post, we’ll walk you through six unique pesto recipes, each with its own twist. They’re easy to make, store well, and taste absolutely incredible.

1. Classic Basil Pesto

Ingredients:

• ½ cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for smoother texture)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend the pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until roughly chopped.
2. Add the basil leaves and pulse again to combine.
3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth.
4. Add Parmesan cheese and pulse briefly to mix.
5. Add more oil if you prefer a thinner, silkier pesto.

Pro Tip: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for easy use.

2. Refreshing Mint Pesto

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh mint leaves (stems removed)
• ¼ cup cashews or almonds
• 1 garlic clove, sliced
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of ⅓ lemon
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add olive oil to the processor first, followed by the rest of the ingredients.
2. Blend until smooth, adding 1–2 tablespoons cold water if needed for consistency.
3. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Great With: Lamb dishes, roasted veggies, or as a spread on crusty bread.

3. Zesty Cilantro Pesto

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Toast pine nuts in a pan for 1 minute.
2. Add oil, nuts, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and cheese to a blender.
3. Blend on low for 15 seconds.
4. Add cilantro and blend again until smooth.
5. Transfer to a jar or bowl and use immediately.

Flavor Note: This has a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken or tacos.

4. Spinach-Basil Pesto

Ingredients:

• 3 cups baby spinach (lightly packed)
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ cup walnuts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Combine spinach, basil, garlic, walnuts, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
2. Pulse until chopped.
3. While running, add olive oil slowly until well blended.
4. Stir in lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.

Perfect For: Pasta, veggie bowls, or mixed into quinoa salads.

5. Peppery Arugula Pesto

Ingredients:

• 4 cups arugula (tightly packed)
• 1 cup walnuts
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice and zest of ½ a lemon
• 2 grated garlic cloves
• Cold water (as needed)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients except water to a food processor and blend until combined.
2. Add cold water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
3. Season to taste.

Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

6. Carrot Top Pesto (Zero Waste!)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups carrot top greens (washed and stems trimmed)
• ⅓ cup toasted salted cashews
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until mostly smooth.
3. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Eco-Friendly Tip: This recipe is a fantastic way to reduce food waste by using parts of vegetables we normally discard!

Conclusion

Homemade pesto is more than just a sauce—it’s a customizable flavor bomb that brings freshness to your meals. Whether you’re using fresh herbs, leafy greens, or even vegetable tops, there’s a pesto for every occasion. Try one, try them all, and discover your favorite. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta