This basil pistachio pesto recipe brings a bold, nutty twist to a classic Italian sauce. Made with fresh basil, parmesan, and pistachios, it’s a simple but flavor-packed condiment that works great on pasta, sandwiches, roasted veggies, and more. Unlike traditional pesto that uses pine nuts, this version leans into the richness of pistachios for a creamier, more unique taste. Whether you’re using a food processor or mortar and pestle, this pesto comes together in minutes and is easy to customize. Perfect for busy weeknights, summer dinners, or anyone looking to elevate their pesto game!
Here’s how to make the basil pistachio pesto!
What is pesto?
What is pesto? Well traditional pesto is a basil-based sauce that originated in Genoa, the capital of Liguria, Italy. Traditional pesto is made with basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan . You can use another type of hard Italian cheese, such as Pecorino. Pesto traditionally is made with a mortar and pestle. These days you may be using a food processor , which means that you can incorporate herbs or vegetables that may be tougher than basil, like kale. It can be a great sauce for pasta. Once the pesto hits the warm pasta, it will heat up just a touch and the ingredients will burst with flavor!
The ingredients
Basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese, pistachios, and garlic are the only ingredients in this recipe. They are ingredients that can be substituted very easily! The cheese can be substituted for asiago or fontina cheese, walnuts or pine nuts for the pistachios, and parsley for the basil. It is easy to make pesto many different ways!
Combining the ingredients
Whether using a mortar and pestle, a food processor, or a blender, the ingredients come together with no difficulty. Start with the basil and the garlic cloves. Once they are processed then add everything else but the olive oil. The olive oil is saved for last. The olive oil will help you get the consistency you want. The more you make pesto the more you can adjust the amounts and types of ingredients to make the pesto you enjoy most.
The basil pistachio pesto goes great with my fresh pasta recipe! Just make the pasta and add as much pesto as you like! You can add other meats or veggies too!
Try my Walnut Parsley Pesto too! It is a mix of cheddar cheese, toasted walnuts, and parsley. It is also called an English pesto. Or try my beet greens pesto. This can be served with roasted beets for a nice vegetarian side dish!
There are other great sauces and dressings on my site! Click here to try them!
FAQ’s
Yes! You can swap pistachios for walnuts, pine nuts, or even almonds depending on your taste and dietary needs.
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Absolutely. Just omit the cheese or use a plant-based parmesan alternative.
Yes! It’s great for prepping in advance. Portion into small containers or ice cube trays for easy use throughout the week.
It’s delicious with pasta, grilled vegetables, sandwiches, pizza, and as a dip for fresh bread or crackers.
Basil Pistachio Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup of shelled pistachios
- 2 large cloves of chopped garlic
- 1 cup of shredded Parmesan
- 1/4 cup or more of olive oil see notes
Instructions
- Add basil, pistachios, and garlic to food processor and pulse until combined.
- Add Parmesan and pulse a few times more.
- Scrape sides of food processor bowl down.
- While the food processor is running, add olive oil to bowl in a fine stream until desired consistency is achieved.
Notes
Yes! You can swap pistachios for walnuts, pine nuts, or even almonds depending on your taste and dietary needs. How long does homemade pistachio pesto last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Can I make this pesto without cheese for a dairy-free version?
Absolutely. Just omit the cheese or use a plant-based parmesan alternative. Is this pesto good for meal prep?
Yes! It’s great for prepping in advance. Portion into small containers or ice cube trays for easy use throughout the week. What dishes pair well with basil pistachio pesto?
It’s delicious with pasta, grilled vegetables, sandwiches, pizza, and as a dip for fresh bread or crackers.
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