Chef Ed’s Fresh Basil Pesto
With meat and vegetarian serving options

Chef Ed’s pesto is a vibrant, herbaceous sauce bursting with garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and fresh basil—all brought together with rich olive oil. This classic Italian sauce is simple to make and elevates everything from grilled meats to roasted veggies.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cup of pesto (enough for 4 servings)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for variation)
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  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional for brightness)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Blend the Pesto

In a food processor or blender, pulse basil, garlic, and nuts until finely chopped. Add cheese and blend briefly. While blending, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth and slightly thick. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

2. Store or Use Immediately

Use right away or store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. To keep the pesto from browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.

Meat-Based Serving Options

  • Grilled Chicken Breast – Spoon pesto over sliced grilled chicken for a juicy, flavorful entrée.
  • Steak Tips or Sirloin Strips – Drizzle over grilled steak with a side of roasted potatoes or pasta.
  • Roast Pork Tenderloin – Serve warm pork medallions with a generous layer of pesto and sautéed mushrooms.
  • Salmon or White Fish – Top baked or grilled fish with a dollop of pesto and a squeeze of lemon.

Dishes that can be made with pesto!!!

Vegetarian Serving OKeywords: pesto recipe, Chef Ed pesto, basil pesto, classic pesto sauce, meat pesto pairings, vegetarian pesto meals, homemade pesto, pesto for chicken, pesto pasta, pesto with steak, easy pesto recipe, olive oil sauce, nut-free pesto option, garlic basil pesto, summer sauce, Italian sauce, healthy pesto ideas, pesto for roasted veggies, pesto on fish, pesto with portobello, caprese with pesto, pesto grilled salmon, fresh herb sauce, pesto aioli, how to make pesto, vegetarian Italian food, pesto pasta primavera, pesto pizza sauce, basil garlic olive oil sauce Keywords: pesto recipe, Chef Ed pesto, basil pesto, classic pesto sauce, meat pesto pairings, vegetarian pesto meals, homemade pesto, pesto for chicken, pesto pasta, pesto with steak, easy pesto recipe, olive oil sauce, nut-free pesto option, garlic basil pesto, summer sauce, Italian sauce, healthy pesto ideas, pesto for roasted veggies, pesto on fish, pesto with portobello, caprese with pesto, pesto grilled salmon, fresh herb sauce, pesto aioli, how to make pesto, vegetarian Italian food, pesto pasta primavera, pesto pizza sauce, basil garlic olive oil sauceptions

  • Pasta Primavera – Toss pesto with linguine, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers.
  • Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms – Spread pesto inside caps, top with mozzarella, and bake.
  • Roasted Vegetables – Drizzle over roasted carrots, potatoes, or asparagus for an herbaceous finish.
  • Caprese Salad Upgrade – Add a spoonful of pesto over fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for extra depth.
  • Pesto Flatbread – Spread onto naan or pizza dough, add sliced veggies, and bake for a quick vegetarian pizza.

Chef Ed’s Tips

  • For a nut-free version, use sunflower seeds or skip nuts entirely.
  • Add a little pasta water when tossing with hot pasta for a silkier sauce.
  • Mix with Greek yogurt or mayo to make a flavorful pesto aioli for sandwiches.
  • Freeze extra pesto in an ice cube tray and transfer cubes to a freezer bag for quick use.

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Basil is high in antioxidants and vitamin K. Olive oil contributes heart-healthy fats, and garlic offers immune-boosting properties. Paired with lean meats or vegetables, pesto is both nutrient-rich and flavorful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References