Homemade Pesto
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce that adds fresh, vibrant flavor to just about anything. Toss it with pasta for a quick meal, spread it on sandwiches, swirl it into soups, or spoon it over grilled vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with fish—the bright basil, nutty Parmesan, and rich olive oil complement both delicate white fish and heartier varieties like salmon.
Ingredients
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2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds as a substitute)
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2 garlic cloves
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Juice of ½ lemon
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Make the pesto:
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In a food processor, combine basil, nuts, and garlic.
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Pulse until finely chopped.
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With the motor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until smooth.
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Add lemon juice and parmesan, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Puree for a minute.
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Serve, or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin film of olive oil on top.
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Prepare the fish:
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Preheat grill, skillet, or oven to medium-high heat.
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Pat fish dry and lightly season with salt and pepper.
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Spoon pesto generously over the fish before cooking.
- Sprinkle with parmesan if desired.
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Cook the fish:
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Grill or bake fish (skin side down without flipping) at 350 until just cooked through (internal temperature ~145°F / 63°C). Cooking time will depend on thickness: generally about 12-15 minutes.
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For extra flavor, add a drizzle of lemon juice on top.
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✨ Serving tip: Pair with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or over pasta for a complete meal.
