Fresh Green Pesto Pasta Sauce (Freezer-Friendly) for Calm Weeknights

Fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan and lemon give this green pesto its flavor. Pulse the ingredients first, then drizzle in the olive oil so you can choose a coarse or smoother finish.

Make it ahead for pasta, roasted vegetables or sourdough. Small freezer portions let you take out what you need rather than thawing the whole batch.

Ingredients

• 100g fresh basil leaves (about 3 large bunches)
• 50g pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic
• 120ml extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon
• Sea salt & black pepper

How to make basil pesto

1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
2. Add the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic and lemon juice to a food processor. Pulse until roughly chopped.
3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pine nuts or walnuts?

The recipe allows either 50g pine nuts or 50g walnuts. Choose pine nuts for the original version or walnuts for the budget-friendly variation.

Optional creamy version

For a richer finish, stir in 2–3 tbsp mascarpone or cream cheese at the end.

How to freeze pesto in portions

1. Portion into silicone freezer trays. Two-tablespoon portions make it easy to take out a small amount.
2. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over each portion to help prevent browning.
3. Freeze overnight. Once solid, transfer to labeled freezer bags or containers.

Freezer storage: up to 3 months.

How to use your pesto

Stir a portion directly into hot pasta. Choose wholegrain, spelt or brown rice pasta if you prefer.

• Stir into warm quinoa or couscous.
• Spread on sourdough with roasted tomatoes.
• Toss with roasted vegetables.
• Swirl into soup for extra flavor.

More recipes to prepare ahead

Explore more pasta sauces or browse all recipe categories.

For drinks to prepare alongside your meals, try the Mango Chili Kick Shot or Matcha Coconut Cubes.