Basil Pesto

A classic Italian pesto sauce with a vibrant green color, a fresh herbal aroma, and a rich, savory flavor!

Easy Homemade Pesto Recipe

I feel like I’ve sort of become a shell of a person, just going through the motions of life. Now, please don’t read into that. I’m not depressed or falling apart, I’m living a very full and happy life. My blessings are so great that I couldn’t count them in a lifetime.

What I mean is I am not giving my all to any one thing, especially not all of the things, in my life. I could be doing so much better at the things that matter – a parent, a wife, a church member, my health – literally everything in my life could use more intentional effort. Because I am missing the mark on so many things, it’s left an overwhelming desire to get back to feeling like myself.

And we all know when life feels like too much, we choose the path of least resistance and just don’t do anything. The hamster wheel keeps turning and the days keep passing by faster and faster and nothing changes.

I have been making a series of choices that are ‘easy’ instead of pushing myself to make the right choice because it’s ‘hard.’ For example, going out to eat instead of making a home cooked meal. Or, reading a short devotional instead of spending quality time with God reading my Bible. And, skipping exercise because it’s too hot…

A friend of mine, who has become like a sister to me, often sends me things she listens to on her walks. She is really good at telling me what I need to hear, as true friends do. The last message she sent me was absolutely everything I needed to hear. I was in tears by the end because it ignited me to get back to putting God first in everything I do. I know putting Him first makes hard choices easier, I just fall into the trap of thinking I don’t have time all too often.

I don’t like fluff and I don’t like excuses. I like being direct, and I appreciate it when people are direct with me. I’ve always lived by the motto, “If they wanted to, they would.” And the same applies to me. When I want to, I do. That message was direct and I’m convinced it was divine intervention that I heard it when I did.

I’ve been making excuses for not making better choices. Motivation is fleeting – it takes discipline to do the things we don’t want to do.

My first step to better health is going out to eat less and making more food at home, starting with this Basil Pesto! For a vegan version, you can skip the Parmesan cheese or make this Vegan Spinach Basil Pesto. You can use either recipe to make one of my very favorite salads, Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad!

• Vegan Spinach Basil Pesto.
• Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad!

What You’ll Need

1/2 cup Pine Nuts

2 tbsp Lemon Juice

1 clove Garlic

1/4 tsp Salt

2 cups Basil Leaves

1/4 cup Olive Oil

1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, Grated

How to Make Basil Pesto

In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup pine nuts, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, and 1/4 tsp salt and pulse until well chopped.

Add 2 cups basil leaves and pulse until combined.

While the food processor is running, drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil and pulse until combined.

Add in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and pulse until combined.

For a smoother pesto, add more olive oil.

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Notes

Recipe Credit: Love & Lemons