Basil pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese. One-quarter cup of basil pesto (60g) contains around 210 calories, making it a great addition to many dishes.

Not only is basil pesto flavorful, it also provides a variety of nutrients. One serving of basil pesto contains good amounts of vitamin A, vitamin K, iron, and calcium. The garlic in basil pesto is also great for the immune system and heart health.

Whether you are looking to add flavor to your pasta dishes or to add a kick to your sandwiches and salads, basil pesto is a go-to choice for many food lovers. In this article, we'll dive into some of the most common questions about basil pesto and provide some helpful tips and recipes.

What is Basil Pesto?

Basil pesto is a classic Italian sauce made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese. The ingredients are blended together into a smooth and creamy paste, which can be used as a dip, spread, or sauce for various dishes. The sauce has a bright green color and a distinct fresh flavor that can elevate any dish. While basil pesto is usually associated with pasta dishes like spaghetti and linguine, it can also be used to add some extra flavor to sandwiches, pizzas, chicken, fish, and vegetables. In fact, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using basil pesto in cooking.

How Many Calories are in 1/4 Cup Basil Pesto?

One-quarter cup of basil pesto (60g) contains around 210 calories, mainly from the olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese. While this may seem like a lot of calories for a small serving, it's worth noting that basil pesto provides a good amount of nutrients, such as vitamins A and K, iron, and calcium. Moreover, a small amount of basil pesto can go a long way in terms of adding flavor to your dishes, so you don't need to use a lot of it at once.

What are the Ingredients of Basil Pesto?

Basil pesto is typically made from the following ingredients: - Fresh basil leaves - Garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese.

What are the Health Benefits of Basil Pesto?

Basil pesto provides a variety of health benefits, such as: - Good source of antioxidants - May boost immune system, heart health, and brain function

What are the Different Ways to Use Basil Pesto?

Basil pesto can be used in many different ways, such as: - Tossed with pasta - Spread on sandwiches or wraps

What are the Nutritional Facts of 1/4 Cup Basil Pesto?

One-quarter cup of basil pesto (60g) contains: - 210 calories - 4g protein, 4g carbs, 21g fat

How to Make Basil Pesto at Home?

Making basil pesto at home is easy and requires only a few ingredients. Here is a simple recipe to follow: - 2 cups fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

What are the Variations of Basil Pesto?

While traditional basil pesto is made from the basic ingredients we've mentioned before, there are many variations and twists on the recipe that you can try. - Sun-dried tomato pesto - Spinach and walnut pesto

Can You Freeze Basil Pesto?

Yes, you can freeze basil pesto for later use. It's best to freeze small portions of the sauce in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, so you can defrost only what you need. When you're ready to use the frozen pesto, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before serving.

Where to Buy Basil Pesto?

Basil pesto can be found in most grocery stores, either in the pasta/sauce section or in the refrigerated section. You can also make your own basil pesto at home, using fresh basil from your garden or the store.