The BEST basil pesto from scratch... (easy dinner!)

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are more affordable and provide a similar texture.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: Nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: Grana Padano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while Grana Padano is a less expensive cheese.

Combine basil, pine nuts, garlic salt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan in a food processor.

Blend until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed.

With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the mixture is smooth.

Season the pesto with black pepper to taste.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens