Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for adding a burst of fresh flavor to your dishes: Ina Garten’s Pesto Sauce. This classic sauce is vibrant, herbaceous, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on a sandwich, or using it as a dip, this pesto will elevate your meal with minimal effort.
What is Ina Garten Pesto Sauce?
Ina Garten’s pesto sauce is a fresh, green sauce made primarily from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s a traditional Italian sauce known for its bright, herby flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for pasta, vegetables, or even as a topping for grilled meats, this pesto is a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Other Ina Garten Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Fresh ingredients: Basil and garlic give this sauce a vibrant, fresh taste.
- Quick to prepare: It takes just minutes to blend together.
- Versatile: Great for pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
- Homemade goodness: Far superior to store-bought versions.
- Simple and elegant: Perfect for both everyday meals and entertaining.
- Ina Garten’s expertise: A recipe that carries the signature quality of the Barefoot Contessa.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Pesto Sauce
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 3 tablespoons chopped garlic (9 cloves)
- 5 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups good olive oil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Pesto Sauce
- Toast the nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the walnuts and pine nuts until golden, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Process the garlic and nuts: In a food processor, combine the toasted nuts and garlic, and pulse until finely chopped.
- Add basil, salt, and pepper: Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper to the processor, and pulse until the basil is finely chopped.
- Stream in olive oil: With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan and pulse until just combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve or store: Use the pesto immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Pesto Sauce
- Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a quick and delicious meal.
- Grilled chicken: Use as a marinade or topping for grilled chicken.
- Sandwich spread: Spread on sandwiches for a burst of flavor.
- Vegetable dip: Serve with raw vegetables for a fresh appetizer.
- Pizza topping: Use as a base sauce for homemade pizza.
- Salads: Mix into salad dressings for a herbaceous twist.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Pesto Sauce
- Use fresh basil: Fresh, vibrant basil leaves are key to the best pesto.
- Toast the nuts: Toasting the walnuts and pine nuts enhances their flavor.
- Add oil gradually: Slowly adding the olive oil ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
- Don’t overprocess Pulse just until combined to avoid a too-smooth texture.
- Season to taste: Adjust the salt, pepper, and Parmesan to your preference.
- Keep it green: Store pesto with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.
- Experiment with nuts: Swap out walnuts and pine nuts for almonds or cashews for a different flavor.
Variations of Ina Garten Pesto Sauce
- Spinach pesto: Replace some or all of the basil with fresh spinach for a milder flavor.
- Arugula pesto: Use arugula instead of basil for a peppery kick.
- Vegan pesto: Substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Lemon pesto: Add fresh lemon juice and zest for a citrusy twist.
- Nut-free pesto: Omit the nuts and use sunflower seeds or more Parmesan for a nut-free version.
- Spicy pesto: Add red pepper flakes or a small chili for some heat.
Storing Ina Garten Pesto Sauce: Best Practices
- Use an airtight container: Store pesto in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Cover with olive oil: Add a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.
- Refrigerate immediately: Keep pesto in the fridge to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
- Use within a week: For the best taste, consume within 7 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for convenient, single-serving portions.
- Label your container: Note the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.
Reheating Ina Garten Pesto Sauce: Best Practices
- Avoid direct heat: Pesto is best served at room temperature or slightly warm.
- Warm gently if needed: If necessary, warm the pesto gently in a bowl over warm water.
- Stir well before serving: Ensure the oil is well mixed before serving.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 1g
FAQs
How can I make Ina Garten’s pesto sauce nut-free?
To make Ina Garten’s pesto sauce nut-free, simply omit the walnuts and pine nuts. You can substitute them with sunflower seeds or use more Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Can I freeze Ina Garten’s pesto sauce?
Yes, you can freeze Ina Garten’s pesto sauce. To do this, portion the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This allows you to use small portions as needed, and the pesto can be stored for up to three months.
What’s the best way to keep pesto sauce green?
To keep pesto sauce green, store it in an airtight container and cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil before refrigerating. This helps prevent oxidation, which can cause the basil to turn brown.
How long does Ina Garten’s pesto sauce last in the fridge?
Ina Garten’s pesto sauce can last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. To maintain its vibrant color and flavor, ensure the surface is covered with a thin layer of olive oil.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Pesto Sauce is a fresh and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re dressing up pasta, enhancing a sandwich, or looking for a dip, this pesto brings a burst of herbaceous goodness. Give it a try and enjoy the vibrant taste of homemade pesto anytime you like!
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Ina Garten Pesto Sauce
- Prep Time: 10
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending (no cooking)
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Ina Garten’s pesto sauce is a fresh, green sauce made primarily from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s a traditional Italian sauce known for its bright, herby flavor and creamy texture. Perfect for pasta, vegetables, or even as a topping for grilled meats, this pesto is a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 3 tablespoons chopped garlic (9 cloves)
- 5 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups good olive oil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Toast the nuts: In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the walnuts and pine nuts until golden, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Process the garlic and nuts: In a food processor, combine the toasted nuts and garlic, and pulse until finely chopped.
- Add basil, salt, and pepper: Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper to the processor, and pulse until the basil is finely chopped.
- Stream in olive oil: With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan and pulse until just combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve or store: Use the pesto immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
