Make vibrant, smooth pesto in a blender in just 5 minutes! This blender pesto recipe is packed with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan, perfect for pasta, spreads, and more.
Table of Contents
5-Minute Pesto in a Blender
There’s something magical about homemade pesto. It’s bright, cheesy, and packed with flavor. But if the idea of dragging out a food processor or chopping herbs by hand has ever slowed you down, let me introduce you to the wonder of pesto in a blender.
This version is just as vibrant and delicious as traditional recipes, but the blender makes the whole process smoother (literally) and way faster. With a few fresh ingredients and about 30 seconds of blending, you’ve got a bold, creamy blender pesto ready to spoon over pasta, swirl into soup, spread on just about everything, or make this pesto chicken bake.
Ingredients, Estimated Cost, and Substitutions
Per Serving Cost: $1.31
Recipe Cost: $10.51
Here are the blender pesto ingredients, including simple substitutions.
- 2 cups basil, bruised ($2.79) – Bruising the basil before blending helps release its essential oils, making your pesto even more aromatic. If you don’t have enough basil, consider swapping in baby spinach or arugula to stretch the recipe.
- 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and crushed ($0.50) – Garlic gives pesto its signature bite. Crushing it before blending ensures it gets evenly incorporated. There really is no substitute for fresh garlic. Please don’t use garlic powder or jarred minced garlic.
- ⅓ cup pine nuts ($3.28) – These little guys bring a nutty richness that makes pesto luxurious. For a more budget-friendly version, try walnuts or sunflower seeds instead.
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan ($1.08) – Salty, nutty, and essential. Freshly grated melts in beautifully, but pre-grated works in a pinch. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast.
- ¾ cup olive oil ($2.82) – The oil combines everything into a smooth, spoonable sauce. Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ($0.02) – Adds brightness and helps preserve the vibrant green color.
- ½ teaspoon salt + ¼ teaspoon black pepper ($0.02) – Season to taste, but this combo helps all the other ingredients shine.
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.
How To Make Pesto In A Blender
Bruise the basil. Blend all the ingredients in a blender for 30 seconds. Done. You’ve got pesto. Let me show you how:
- Bruise the basil. Gently crush the leaves by rolling or rubbing them between your fingers, or crush them with a mortar and pestle. This helps release their natural oils and deepen the flavor.
- Load the blender. Add the bruised basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan to the blender. Pour in the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Blend! Blend on high for about 30 seconds until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust. More salt? More lemon? Go for it. Then serve and enjoy.
Top Tips for the Best Blender Pesto
- Use a powerful blender. A high-speed blender helps get that ultra-smooth consistency pesto lovers dream about.
- Add oil slowly if needed. If your pesto isn’t blending well, drizzle in more oil to help it along.
- Taste and tweak. Lemon juice, salt, and cheese can all be adjusted based on your personal pesto preferences.
Save The Recipe
Enter your email below & we’ll send a link to this recipe to your inbox & you’ll subscribe for new recipes
Pesto In A Blender
Equipment
- blender
- Measuring cups & spoons
- box grater
- spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil bruised
- 4 large garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bruise the basil leaves by gently crushing them. This step enhances their aroma and flavor.
- Place the bruised basil leaves, crushed garlic cloves, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese into a blender.
- Pour in the olive oil and add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Blend on high until a smooth sauce consistency is achieved, for about 30 seconds.
- Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
did you love this recipe?
Share it with me on Facebook and find more recipes on foodfolksandfun for more!
Blender Pesto Recipe FAQs
You can use another type of nut, such as sunflower seeds, cashews, or walnuts. However, it will change the overall taste of the pesto sauce.
I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it has the best texture and fresh taste.
I love this pesto because it is so versatile. Try it on your next batch of pasta, chicken, salmon, sandwich, wrap, pizza, or even as a dip for your veggies. You’ll love it no matter how you use it!
More Sauce Recipes
- Zucchini Pesto
- Homemade Pizza Sauce Recipe
- Easy Chipotle Enchilada Sauce
- Texas BBQ Sauce
- Walnut Pesto
subscribe for new recipes
Get all the latest recipes in your inbox!
connect with us
Make sure to tag #foodfolksandfun on instagram!
