Homemade Basil Pesto Recipe and Preserving (2024)

Homemade basil pesto can be consumed fresh, as well as preserved to be enjoyed throughout the winter months. This easy to make recipe will only take minutes of your time, consisting of a handful of ingredients.

You guys, if you’re not making homemade basil pesto you need to start. It is the most delicious summer staple on our homestead and we have been eating it at least once a week. Maybe more. Okay, it’s really on the more side.

When planning the summer garden, grow enough basil to allow for the opportunity to enjoy it throughout the summer. However, make sure to plant enough to preserve for a later date.

In the dead of winter, does anything make your heart sing more than canned tomatoes and preserved homemade basil pesto? Absolutely not.

Growing Basil

Basil is an extremely easy herb to start from seed. The tip is to make sure it’s planted in well drained soil and moved outdoors when the weather reaches above 50 degrees. This herb will require at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. Make sure to provide water regularly.

To allow the plant to continue providing, prune often. Pruning will produce a fuller plant, allowing for the harvest to continue throughout the summer months. This method will also help to prevent the plant from going to seed.

Cooking with Homemade Basil Pesto

I’m that crazy individual who will eat a spoonful of fresh pesto. Justin finds this to be odd, but eh, what does he know?

Traditional Uses

• Add to cold pasta to make a great summer salad
• Homemade basil pesto added to hot raviolis creates the perfect Italian meal
• With homemade egg noodles

Think Outside the Box

• On top of a grilled steak or asparagus
• As a spread for corn on the cob
• With toast, or added to fried eggs

Just make it. Lots of it, you will not regret it.

Other Pesto Recipes

Aside from basil there are a plethora of other herbs and weeds (or what are known as weeds) which can be used to make pesto. If the garden should fall short, the following recipes are also ideal for making pesto.

• Radish Green Pesto
• Pistachio Arugula Pesto
• Sun-dried Tomato Pesto
• Vegan Pesto with Zucchini
• Wild Weed Pesto
• Dandelion Pesto
• Garlic Scape Pesto
• Garlic Mustard Pesto
• Spring Pesto with Chickweed and Green Garlic
• Cilantro Pesto

Homemade Basil Pesto Ingredients

Alright y’all, enjoy this simple recipe, and make sure to keep reading on how to properly preserve homemade basil to enjoy throughout winter!

• 4 cups fresh Basil, packed
• 4 cloves fresh Garlic, peeled and minced
• 1/4 cup Pine Nuts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked Peppercorn
• 6 tbsp extra-virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup warm Water, optional

Homemade Basil Pesto preparation Instructions

1. In a food processor chop basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper for 10 seconds.
2. Using a measuring cup, combine olive oil and water.
3. With the food processor on, slowly add the oil mixture until thoroughly blended.
4. Serve immediately or preserve for later consumption.

Preserving Homemade Pesto

Freezing pesto is an excellent way to preserve it long-term. When stored in a glass jar or vacuum sealed it to keeps between 6 to 9 months.

There are two ways in which to freeze pesto. The first method is to freeze it in silicone molds or ice-cube trays. Once frozen remove the pesto from the tray and store in freezer bags. This will keep for roughly 3 months. When vacuum sealed the cubes will between 6 to 9 months.

When making a large batch, the best way to freeze the pesto is on a cookie sheet. The freshly made pesto should be spread evenly onto the cookie sheet and immediately placed into the freezer. Once frozen, break the frozen pesto into smaller pieces. Vacuum seal for long term storage.

Printable Recipe – Homemade Basil Pesto

Print this recipe for your convenience! File it away under summer goodness, and enjoy it!

For additional tip, trick, and recipes on how to preserve foods grab a copy of my book, The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest. Whether you are a novice or seasoned home food preserver my book has something for everyone. Learn how to can, ferment, dry, cure, freeze, and store raw the harvest as a sustainable homesteader would.

Copies of The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest can be purchased online at the following sites, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart, Books a Million, and on my website.

PS. Not because this is relevant to making pesto, cowboy candy (also known as candied jalapenos) is another summertime item which must be preserved. You’ll not regret it!