How To Make Pesto At Home

How To Make Pesto At Home is a easy Italian recipe that serves 2. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Steve | The Vivaldi Way on YouTube.

Prep: 9 min | Cook: 3 min | Total: 20 min

Cost: $7.40 total, $3.70 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves (packed, washed and patted dry)
  • 45 g Pine Nuts (toasted)
  • 3 Garlic Cloves (peeled)
  • 20 g Pecorino Romano (finely grated)
  • 50 g Parmigiano Reggiano (finely grated)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (plus extra for storage)

Instructions

  1. Toast Pine Nuts

    Heat a dry frying pan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and stir constantly until they turn lightly golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Remove immediately and set aside to cool.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Prepare Basil

    Rinse the basil leaves, pat them dry with a clean towel, and strip the leaves from the stems. Discard any wilted or discolored leaves.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Combine Ingredients

    In the food processor bowl, add the toasted pine nuts, peeled garlic cloves, grated Pecorino Romano, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon juice, salt, and the packed basil leaves. Pulse a few times to break down the larger pieces.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Emulsify with Olive Oil

    With the processor running, slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube until the pesto reaches a smooth yet slightly textured consistency. If the bowl looks too full, stop, dump the mixture into a bowl, and restart with a clean bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Taste and Store

    Taste the pesto and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed. Transfer the pesto to a small jar, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation, and seal. Use immediately or store as described.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
3 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
11 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Pine nuts, Dairy (cheese), Garlic (may cause intolerance for some)

Last updated: April 9, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How To Make Pesto At Home

Recipe by Steve | The Vivaldi Way

A quick, fresh, and authentic Italian basil pesto made in a small food‑processor batch. Toasted pine nuts, garlic, Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon juice and extra‑virgin olive oil are blended with plenty of fresh basil for a vibrant sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a topping.

EasyItalianServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
3m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.40
Total cost
$3.70
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Toast pine nuts until lightly golden but not burnt.
  • Do not overstuff the food processor; work in batches if needed.
  • Add olive oil slowly to achieve the proper emulsion.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot pan: use oven mitts when handling the skillet.
  • Sharp processor blades: keep fingers away while the machine is running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Small Batch Basil Pesto in Italian cuisine?

A

Basil pesto, or pesto alla Genovese, originates from the Ligurian region of Italy and has been a staple since the 19th century. It was traditionally made with a mortar and pestle, using local pine nuts, hard cheeses, and abundant fresh basil, embodying the simple, sun‑kissed flavors of the Mediterranean.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Small Batch Basil Pesto in Italian cuisine?

A

While the classic Genovese version uses pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, Pecorino, and olive oil, other Italian regions substitute walnuts (Pesto alla Siciliana) or almonds, and some add sun‑dried tomatoes or arugula for a different twist. The core technique of grinding ingredients together remains the same.

cultural
Q

How is Small Batch Basil Pesto traditionally served in Liguria, Italy?

A

In Liguria, pesto is most famously tossed with trofie or trenette pasta and finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of grated cheese. It also appears as a topping for focaccia, grilled fish, or simply spread on crusty bread.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Small Batch Basil Pesto traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Pesto is a summer staple, often prepared when basil is at its peak. It appears at family gatherings, picnics, and festive meals, especially during the warm months when fresh herbs are abundant.

cultural
Q

How does Small Batch Basil Pesto fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?

A

Pesto exemplifies Italian cooking’s emphasis on high‑quality, fresh ingredients combined simply. It showcases the Italian philosophy of letting each component shine while creating a harmonious, versatile sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Small Batch Basil Pesto versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients are fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano, extra‑virgin olive oil, and sea salt. Acceptable substitutes include walnuts or almonds for pine nuts, Grana Padano for Parmigiano, and a high‑quality neutral oil if olive oil is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Small Batch Basil Pesto?

A

Pesto pairs beautifully with pasta (trofie, linguine), gnocchi, grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, and as a vibrant spread on bruschetta or focaccia.

cultural
Q

What makes Small Batch Basil Pesto special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

Making pesto in a small batch preserves the bright, herbaceous flavor and allows precise control over texture and seasoning, unlike large‑scale commercial versions that can become muted or overly oily.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Small Batch Basil Pesto at home?

A

Common errors include over‑toasting pine nuts (causing bitterness), over‑stuffing the processor (resulting in a chunky, uneven blend), and adding oil too quickly, which can make the pesto too thin.

technical
Q

Why does this Small Batch Basil Pesto recipe use a food processor instead of a traditional mortar and pestle?

A

The food processor speeds up the emulsification and ensures a consistent texture for a small batch, while still achieving the classic flavor. A mortar and pestle can be used for a more rustic texture, but it requires more effort and time.

technical
Q

Can I make Small Batch Basil Pesto ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, store the pesto in an airtight jar topped with a thin layer of olive oil. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in ice‑cube trays for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Steve | The Vivaldi Way specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Steve | The Vivaldi Way focuses on approachable, home‑cooked Italian recipes, often highlighting classic techniques with a modern, small‑batch twist and clear, step‑by‑step demonstrations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Steve | The Vivaldi Way's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Steve | The Vivaldi Way emphasizes simplicity and precision for everyday cooks, using readily available tools like a food processor and offering practical tips for small‑batch preparations, whereas many other channels focus on larger, restaurant‑style productions.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Three Traditional Italian Pestos: Agliata (Bread & Garlic), Pesto alla Siciliana, and Pesto alla Genovese
23

Three Traditional Italian Pestos: Agliata (Bread & Garlic), Pesto alla Siciliana, and Pesto alla Genovese

This recipe covers three classic Italian pestos: Agliata (a Ligurian bread and garlic sauce), Pesto alla Siciliana (Sicilian tomato and basil pesto), and Pesto alla Genovese (the iconic basil, pine nut, and cheese pesto from Genoa). Each is made by hand in a mortar and pestle for the best flavor and texture, but food processor alternatives are provided. Serve with pasta, as a dip, or on bruschetta.

1 hr 10 minServes 6$32
Italian
Three Traditional Italian Pestos: Agliata (Bread & Garlic), Pesto alla Siciliana, and Pesto alla Genovese
15

Three Traditional Italian Pestos: Agliata (Bread & Garlic), Pesto alla Siciliana, and Pesto alla Genovese

This recipe covers three classic Italian pestos: Agliata (a Ligurian bread and garlic sauce), Pesto alla Siciliana (Sicilian tomato and basil pesto), and Pesto alla Genovese (the iconic basil, pine nut, and cheese pesto from Genoa). Each is made by hand in a mortar and pestle for the best flavor and texture, but food processor alternatives are provided. Serve with pasta, as a dip, or on bruschetta.

1 hr 10 minServes 6$32
Italian
Roasted Red Cabbage with Parsley, Celery‑Root, Hazelnut and Parmesan Pesto
14

Roasted Red Cabbage with Parsley, Celery‑Root, Hazelnut and Parmesan Pesto

A flavorful vegetarian dish where red cabbage is roasted until tender and lightly caramelized, then topped with a homemade pesto made from parsley, celery‑root, toasted hazelnuts, garlic and Parmesan. Ideal as a side or a light main course.

1 hr 30 minServes 4$9
French
Cold Pasta Salad with Pea Pod Pesto and Burrata
9

Cold Pasta Salad with Pea Pod Pesto and Burrata

A refreshing summer salad mixing al dente spaghetti, an original pesto made from pea pods, parmesan, pine nuts and skyr, topped with creamy burrata, fresh peas, red onion and flat parsley. Perfect for hot summer days.

1 hr 8 minServes 4$24
French
Carrot Salad with Honey, Cumin and Carrot Top Pistachio Pesto
9

Carrot Salad with Honey, Cumin and Carrot Top Pistachio Pesto

A colorful summer salad made with yellow and orange carrots, flavored with honey and cumin, complemented by a surprising carrot‑top and pistachio pesto, lifted with a coriander and harissa sour cream, and garnished with orange segments and pomegranate seeds.

55 minServes 4$9
French
Tomato mozzarella revisited with pesto
9

Tomato mozzarella revisited with pesto

Fresh and indulgent starter made with white tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and homemade pesto. Ideal for a summer aperitif or a light starter. The preparation includes a green pesto, a mozzarella cream and peeled tomatoes, all layered and served with arugula and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

55 minServes 4$17
Italian
Homemade Pesto
24

Homemade Pesto

A simple and flavorful homemade pesto, made with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, roasted garlic, parmesan and olive oil. Perfect to accompany pasta, toast or as a sauce base.

41 minServes 4$12
Italian
Asian Sesame Basil Pesto with Noodles
29

Asian Sesame Basil Pesto with Noodles

A vibrant fusion pesto that swaps pine nuts for toasted sesame seeds and classic basil for Thai basil, finished with a splash of sesame oil and lemon (or yuzu) juice. Tossed with cooked noodles, this quick‑cook sauce delivers nutty, herbaceous flavor with an Asian twist.

35 minServes 4$5
Asian Fusion