Pesto sauce is usually made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt. Traditional pesto alla Genovese is also made by crushing the ingredients into a paste, rather than cooking them.

Common variations

Some versions swap the basil for other greens or herbs, and the pine nuts for walnuts, cashews, or seeds. Cheese can also be omitted for a vegan version, or replaced with nutritional yeast.

How it is used

Pesto is commonly served with pasta, but it also works well on vegetables, bread, fish, poultry, and sandwiches.

Simple formula

A quick way to think about pesto is:

  • Green herb or leafy base.
  • Garlic.
  • Nuts or seeds.
  • Hard cheese.
  • Olive oil.
  • Salt.

Would you like a very quick homemade pesto recipe too?