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Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto
June 16, 2015
Ahhh….summer. The schedules are looser and the days are longer. I’m finding myself washing a lot of dishes so far too…which is a good thing. It means there is lots of cooking, eating and entertaining going on around here.
Summer is also a time when I pretend to have a green thumb. Actually, I’m making some progress this year. This Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto is straight from my garden! Here’s the background: Last summer, John wanted to plant a huge garden with all kinds of vegetables and herbs. (Note: We are newbies when it comes to gardening.) I knew I had to create a “contained” space to manage this “first year” gardening experiment without squelching his enthusiasm. 🙂
So, I researched and found these wonderful raised beds from a company called Gronomics, each one about 2 feet by 4 feet. Perfectly sized for a small variety of plants and just the right height for our aging backs…wink wink. Year one results? One very expensive odd shaped cucumber. And one tomato. The animals enjoyed all the rest.
This year? We went with all herbs. Lots of basil, parsley, and dill planted in our raised gardens. And mint in a separate pot. Manageable amount with herbs that I can use all summer long. And it’s heaven! Do you see these beauties? I’m feeling pretty proud of myself.
Especially when I can make one of the most versatile, freshest, Italian pasta sauces over and over again – Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto. Remember my Simple Pesto White Wine Sauce with Bay Scallop recipe? That is fantastic, but when the season for fresh herbs is here, you must take advantage! Homemade and as fresh as it gets. And if I can do it, so can you!
I prefer this classic pesto version that blends fresh basil and fresh parsley. This blend of herbs creates a lighter more balanced overall taste in my opinion. And you can put this pesto on anything! Here I am featuring our summery and fun Palm Tree Paradise Pasta. Pesto is great on short shapes but can be used on long as well, like the Simple Pesto recipe above…it just depends on the dish. Don’t miss checking out another flavorful pesto, our Kale and Walnut version…yum! Great to make off season.
“Everyday” had to be in the name because this pesto should be a summer staple. It’s wonderful layered in a cheese torte and served with pita chips or crackers. Delicious as a spread on a sandwich. Toss with grilled or roasted veggies. Drizzle on fresh fish. But my family’s favorite and mine too, best of all, is homemade pesto tossed with some warm pasta. And you can top it with fresh tomatoes, fresh Parm or whatever else seems right! Enjoy!
PrintEveryday Basil Parsley Pesto
Make this during the summer months when fresh basil and pesto are readily available! Simple and delicious to use everyday…
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 7 mins
- Total Time: 17 mins
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz. bag of Palm Tree Pasta (or substitute another short or long shape)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1/4 t. salt
Instructions
- In a food processor, place garlic and mince.
- Add all other ingredients and pulse and puree until smooth.
- Adjust seasonings if needed.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Do not rinse.
- Toss pesto with warm pasta.
- Serve with chopped fresh tomatoes and fresh Parmesan.
Notes
Pesto can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Or freeze in a tightly covered container or for individual servings, freeze in an ice cube tray.
Our pasta is best tossed with pesto and served right away, as it is very absorbent. For leftovers, I’ll reheat pasta slightly and toss again with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.
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I love that all of these people say “it looks yummy, I’m going to try it”, amazing, etc”. There isn’t one comment on how good it actually tastes……….I’d like to make it but won’t until I READ a taste-tester’s opinion………how ’bout it??????
I can vouch for the great taste!:) I’d love for you to make it and let me know what you think!
The fresh ingredients look amazing!!
Yum! This look so fresh! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I always enjoy all your fun recipes and LOVE the fun shaped Palm Tree Pasta!
nothing beats fresh basil!
I cannot wait to try, looks delicious.
Looks delicious !
Holy Basil! This looks YUM! I am definitely going to give this recipe a try!!!
we really like simple meals in the summer #WackyWednesday we’re on the go or enjoying a day of swimming so lighter meals are better for us too
Wacky Wednesday you have really outdone yourself! This dish sounds and looks delicious. It’s light enough to eat even after a day of working in the hot sun which is exactly what I’m looking for.
Living in an apartment I can’t have a garden any longer and I miss it. Your herbs look beautiful and the recipe sounds delicious.
This looks delicious!!!
Looks delicious…I would love to try!
I usually do a garden every year but last year I hurt my thumb after starting a garden and it became all weeds. This year I haven’t done anything except my herb garden, which is in the process of being taken over by the strawberries. Like you, I love having fresh veggies and herbs at my disposal.
This looks so good and perfect for Summer!
I am growing basil this year, going to try this!
Looks delicious!
fresh basil is my fave.. I love your photos..they are always lovely
The dish looks scrumptious, and I would love to grow basil like that!
Sounds great….love pesto! Nice and light for Summer!
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try this one!
The recipe looks fabulous! Can’t wait to try it! #ontheblog
Look really tasty!
This does look great! Basil is one of my all-time favorite herbs to use when I’m cooking.
im hungry baby..feed me!
yummy I gotta make this
Looks Really Delicious!!
I love fresh herbs in recipes! This looks yummy!
Oh my, this looks amazing! I’m making this tonight!!!
Great dish! Nothing beats the combination of basil, tomatoes and pasta.
This looks so delicious, I will definitely be trying this out! #WackyWednesday
I grow my own basil. I have some dried, some frozen in ice cube trays with butter and/or EVOO. So yummy and easy. #ontheblog
Misty- what a great way to preserve that fresh basil taste and save a step in the process. Thanks!
wow this look so tasty gotta try it
This looks absolutely delish! I must give it a try! Thank you.
anything with basil is always yummy
We grow basil in our garden and this recipe looks great!
I love to use basil in my food. I would like this recipe.
This looks do good! I would love to make this!
would be great with all the fresh Herbs in my garden
This looks sooo yummy & delicious!
I love adding basil to everything! Thank-you for another delicious recipe I pinned it
Appreciate the pin!
When I’ve run out of fresh basil and the store is too far away I make a pesto with spinach! a lighter version but still yummy.
Spinach is another great choice too! I haven’t done that in a while but have it on my list!
Looks delicious and easy to make.
The salad looks delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Wow! I love the recipe. I will definitely be cooking it in the warm summer days to come.
I love growing basil and am so going to try this recipe. The palm tree pasta is perfect.
Please try it and let me know what you think! Hope your basil is flourishing like mine!!
i have 9 elevated gardens, the pasta looks great!
I’m jealous….9? Really? Impressive!
Yumm this recipe is calling my name for dinner tonight, and its a date!
This looks so delicious !! I have never done my own pesto but I’m gonna have to try!
It’s easy so please try to make your own…you’ll be happy you did!
I adore pesto and this recipe looks delicious!!! I will be duplicating it 😀 #WackyWednesday
Thanks Melissa!!
This looks so good! I’m going to make this over the weekend!
this looks outta sight!. always better to make your own at home
Can’t wait to try
looks so good. love using fresh ingredients
I love fresh basil ! This looks really good and I will have to try it. Thank you so much for the photos and the recipe ! #WackyWednesday
You are welcome – I hope you enjoy it!!!
This looks awesome! I love pesto! Thanks for having this weekly contest and for the wonderful recipes.
Enjoy the recipes…we a site full of good ones!!
wow this looks delicious I love knew pasta ideas
looks wonderful – it is great growing your own herbs
looks so yummy, i want some now, so hungry
i can’t wait to get my own house so I can have a garden as amazing as yours!
I really want to try this recipe using your Pasta it looks delicious
i love basil on my pasta or with my pasta. we like to grow ours indoors
I’ve never tried the indoors but I bet it works great….probably near a window?!
Keep these coming! 🙂
I can’t wait to try this. Fantastic summer dish! Thanks for the recipe.
This looks so good! My family will love it!
I really must try this recipe! Looks delicious!
This looks Yummy I’m Hungry Now 🙂
Looks totally delish! Definitely something I have to try!
#WackyWednesday yum this would be awesome. could be a main course or a side dish. Would love to make this every weekend for family picnics yummy.
I love the herb garden !! The pesto Pasta looks fab and is a great summer dish!! Thanks for the recipe
What a great summer meal! Looks yummy.
this looks delicious and like a good food to bring to a party! or better yet picnic!
we love pesto – kale, basil, arugula, anything really. We make it about once a week with whatever greens are starting to wilt in the crisper and whatever herbs are in the garden.
There are so many versions of pesto!! You sound like a pesto queen!
Amazing herb garden. Pasta dish looks delicious too. #WackyWednesday #Ontheblog
Yummy, this looks so good, thanks for sharing
Looks amazing!!!! Especially on a hot summer day! Definitely need to try! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
The Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto I am going to have to try it. Your garden looks great. I tried to have one this year but we got to much rain and washed it all away.
Hate to hear that! Every year is different, huh?! Better luck next time…but don’t wait that long to make it!
Love the Palm Tree Pasta shape!! And I am all about Basil!! YUM!! Thank you for sharing! #WackyWednesday #ontheblog
This is something I could make.
Looks yummy! Love the color the tomatoes add!!
Looks so good! Definitely with fresh parmasen.
This looks like a dish i really could enjoy Thanks
This looks delicious!
This looks amazing, best recipes!!!
Nice herb garden! The dish looks amazing also.
that dish looks so good #WinWednesday
Now this really looks delish on a hot summer day!
Looks delicious! I grow my own basil, so fresh and tasty!
Wow! I am very impressed with your herb garden. That basil is enormous and looks beautiful!! You’re inspiring me to get growing, so I can enjoy this delicious pesto pasta whenever I want! Thanks for sharing!