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. 

Ingredients

Now's the fun part. Build your perfect pesto profile.

Greens:        Basil, spinach, kale, arugula, swiss chard...even cilantro. What's in season?

                      What do you need to use up?

Nuts:            Walnuts and almonds are both great substitutes for the traditional pine nuts; 

                      toasting them adds an extra layer of flavor.

Cheese:         Hard cheeses like Asiago, Fairmount, or Skyview Prairie from Skyview Farms

                       make excellent substitutes for the traditional parmiagiano reggiano; you   

                       can also replace cheese with nutritional yeast!

Oil:                Hemp seed oil has an earthy flavor that works really well in place of the

                       traditional olive oil.

Seasonings:  Lime or orange juice can work instead of lemon, but taste-test before going 

                       crazy with it. Or lean into the lime profile by making a spicy cilantro

                       pesto with jalapenos! Vinegar (such as white wine or apple cider) is a good

                       option too, but be conservative while adding it. 

Instructions

Once you've chosen your ingredients, add them to a food processor a few at a time.

Within seconds...voila! You've got pesto! 

Perfect Pairings

Full Circle has so many items that will pair perfectly with your perfect pesto!

Starches:           Kernza noodles, roasted gold potatoes, sourdough bread, rice, quinoa

Veggies:            Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, red bell peppers, carrots

Protein:             Chicken, turkey, eggs, smoked tofu

Dairy:                 Fromage blanc

Pair all that with some good company, kombucha, or candle-lit quite time, and you've got the finishing touches for a delightful dinner!

Buon appetito!

-Justine