
Build Your Own Perfect Pesto
For something that sounds fancy, pesto is pretty easy! Anything you can make by throwing a few ingredients together in the food processor is a win by me!
But trying to make a perfect pesto can be a problem. First off, who has pine nuts on hand? Or parmesan? Basil is hit or miss depending on the season and whether you have your own plant. Maybe you're allergic to nuts or avoid cheese.
Thankfully, the perfect pesto is not necessarily the most traditional pesto, but rather whatever pesto is perfect for your palate, your preferences, and what's in your fridge and pantry.
All you need to get started is the basic ratio and some ingredient ideas. From there, it comes together quickly. Let's go!
Within a certain range, ingredient ratios vary somewhat widely for pesto. That tells me that getting it precise isn't necessary. You need to be in the ballpark so that the consistency is correct, but from there it's really just a matter of personal preference.
My suggestion for getting started is the ratio below. It's an average based on a bunch of recipes I read. And it's the ratio that appears in this well-reviewed recipe from Sally's Baking Addiction.
- 2 cups greens
- 1/3 cup nuts
- 1/3 cup grated cheese
- 1/3 cup oil
- A couple cloves garlic
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Ingredients
Now's the fun part. Build your perfect pesto profile.
Instructions
Once you've chosen your ingredients, add them to a food processor a few at a time.
- Start with the nuts and garlic.
- Then add the greens, cheese, and seasonings.
- Then finish with oil and lemon juice.
- Scrape down the sides of the food processor as you go to make sure it's all evenly incorporated.
Perfect Pairings
Full Circle has so many items that will pair perfectly with your perfect pesto!
Pair all that with some good company, kombucha, or candle-lit quite time, and you've got the finishing touches for a delightful dinner!
Bon appétit!
-Justine