Easy Pesto Sauce Recipe

Make this easy pesto sauce recipe your go-to for when you need a delicious weekday dinner. Delicious and budget-friendly, your family will be requesting seconds… and most likely thirds!

Hello, foodie friends! Thanks for swinging by my blog, Merry About Town, where I put together quick and delicious weekday recipes… keeping your family’s sanity first-in-mind. I’m excited to share my Easy Pesto Sauce recipe with you.

This Easy Pesto Sauce will be your go-to recipe for a vibrant and aromatic green sauce made from just a handful of wholesome ingredients. With fresh basil, garlic, walnuts, and olive oil, this sauce adds a punch of flavor to pastas, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. Whether you’re a longtime pesto lover or making it for the first time, this simple recipe delivers a bright and delicious result every time.

Pesto sauce gets a bad reputation for being pricey to whip-up. The cost of pine nuts can absolutely add up

What ingredients do I need to make this easy pesto sauce?

Be sure to gather the following ingredients to make this Easy Pesto Sauce:

• Fresh basil
• Chopped walnuts
• Garlic cloves
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil

Why do you use walnuts instead of pine nuts in this pesto recipe?

The reason why we use walnuts instead of pine nuts for my easy pesto recipe is because it’s one of the best swaps in a traditional pesto recipe! Walnuts have a rich, earthy flavor that blends beautifully with basil and garlic. They’re also more affordable and easier to find than traditional pine nuts, making this recipe accessible and budget-friendly without sacrificing taste.

How do I store leftovers?

If you find yourself with any leftovers, pour it into an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To preserve the bright green color, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing.

For longer storage, spoon the pesto into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pesto lasts up to 3 months.

What can you use pesto sauce on?

This versatile Easy Pesto Sauce goes far beyond pasta. Use it as a spread on sandwiches, drizzle over roasted vegetables, toss with cooked potatoes, or swirl it into soups. It also makes a delicious base for homemade pizza.

Plus, we have TONS of recipes that use pesto that I know you’ll absolutely adore:

• Pesto Steak Pasta
• Tuna Pesto Pasta
• Artichoke Pesto Pasta

Do I need special equipment to make pesto sauce?

Great news! It’s not complicated to make my easy pesto sauce: no fancy equipment! You can use either a blender or food processor to make it all come together.

How do I make pesto sauce?

Set up your blender or food processor. Either one works well for this recipe.

Add the basil leaves, chopped walnuts, and garlic.

Pulse several times until the mixture is finely chopped but still has some texture.

Add the Parmesan cheese. With the machine running on low speed, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust with a little salt or more cheese if needed.

Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Pin or bookmark this Easy Pesto Sauce recipe so you can come back to it whenever you need a quick and flavorful addition to your meals. If you try it, let us know how you used it in the comments!