Elevate Your Dishes with Fresh Basil Sauce

Ready in: 15 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: No-Cook · Storage: Refrigerate for up to one week.

Quick Answer

This Very Incredible Basil Sauce elevates any dish with its fresh ingredients and easy preparation, perfect for winter gatherings.

As the vibrant colors of fall give way to the crisp chill of winter here in New York City, I often find myself craving comforting dishes that remind me of the warmth of family gatherings. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, there’s nothing quite like turning to an aromatic homemade basil sauce to elevate a simple pasta dish or a festive centerpiece.

This Very Incredible Basil Sauce, with its bright green hue and fragrant aroma, is a no-cook sauce that comes together in minutes. I promise, once you try this recipe, your taste buds will rejoice, and your meals will transform. So, let’s dive into the delicious world of basil!

A Deliciously Fresh Sauce for Your Holiday Table

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Fresh ingredients elevate the flavor of any dish.
• No cooking required, preserving the vibrant taste of basil.
• Versatile sauce that can be used in various recipes.
• Stores well, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Ingredients

This incredibly fresh basil sauce requires just a few simple ingredients:

Basil

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

Olive Oil

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Pine Nuts

• 1/3 cup pine nuts

Garlic

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

Parmesan Cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How to Make Very Incredible Basil Sauce (Step-by-Step)

This no-cook sauce is a breeze to prepare and will transform your meals!

Step 1: Prepare the Basil

Start by rinsing the basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry gently with a clean kitchen towel. The fragrant scent will signal the fresh flavor about to unfold.

Step 2: Toast the Pine Nuts

Place the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until golden brown, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The nutty aroma will fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Blend the Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped.

Step 4: Slowly Add the Olive Oil

While the processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides, and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want it glossy but not too runny—getting the right consistency is key!

Step 5: Season

Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed, adjusting to suit your palate.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Enjoy this sauce immediately with fresh pasta, drizzled over roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread. If storing, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and cover the top with a thin layer of olive oil to keep it vibrant and fresh.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Toasting: Don’t skip toasting the pine nuts! It truly enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful depth to the sauce.
• Using Store-Bought Basil: If possible, avoid using wilted or past-their-prime basil from the supermarket. Fresh, vibrant basil is essential!
• Overprocessing: Be careful not to blend the sauce too long. You want it creamy but still with some texture.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For a twist, try adding lemon zest for an extra brightness that pairs beautifully with the basil.
• This sauce freezes well. Consider making a double batch and storing it in ice cube trays for quick uses later.
• If you want more heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix before blending.

Variations

• Swap out pine nuts for walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a herbaceous twist.
• Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
• Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, Mediterranean variation.

How to Serve

• Enjoy immediately with fresh pasta.
• Drizzle over roasted vegetables for added flavor.
• Use as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
• Spread onto sandwiches or wraps for a delightful taste boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance for convenience.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Reheating: Serve cold or at room temperature; if warming, do so gently to preserve flavor.
• Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

While perfecting this recipe, I was reminded of the power of fresh ingredients—how they can transform a basic dish into something extraordinary. Each time I make this sauce, it reinforces my love for simple, seasonal cooking, especially during the bustling holiday season.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 2 cups · Serving Size: 1/4 cup

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 5g protein · 5g carbs · 22g fat

Amberly Vahn

Very Incredible Basil Sauce

This no-cook basil sauce is perfect for elevating dishes with its fresh and vibrant flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Food processor
• Dry skillet
• Airtight container

Method

 

1. Rinse the basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry.
2. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
3. In a food processor, combine basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
4. With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as desired.
6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container, covered with a layer of olive oil.

Notes

For freshness, use vibrant basil and avoid overprocessing for texture.

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