Purple Basil Pesto Recipe: Fresh, Easy, and Delicious

Discover the vibrant and aromatic world of purple basil pesto, a delightful twist on the classic green pesto that will elevate your dishes with its unique color and flavor. Purple basil, with its deep violet leaves and slightly spicier taste, adds a beautiful visual appeal and a fresh herbal note to this versatile sauce.

Whether you’re looking to jazz up your pasta, drizzle over grilled vegetables, or spread on a crusty baguette, this purple basil pesto recipe is your new kitchen favorite.

Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, this pesto combines the intense flavor of purple basil with creamy nuts, sharp cheese, and fragrant garlic. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up fresh basil from your garden or local market.

Let’s dive into this simple yet impressive recipe that is sure to brighten up your meals and impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This purple basil pesto is not only visually stunning but also incredibly flavorful. The deep purple hue makes it a standout dish for entertaining or everyday meals.

Unlike traditional basil pesto, purple basil offers a slightly more peppery and robust flavor, giving the sauce a sophisticated twist.

It’s super easy to whip up in just minutes using a food processor or blender, and you can customize the texture and ingredients to suit your taste. Plus, it’s an excellent way to add fresh herbs and healthy fats into your diet.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply a pesto enthusiast, this recipe is versatile and adaptable.

Finally, purple basil pesto stores beautifully, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week for quick meals.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh purple basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (can substitute with walnuts or almonds)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (use vegan Parmesan for dairy-free option)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Food processor or a high-speed blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula for scraping down the sides
• Grater for Parmesan cheese
• Jar or airtight container for storing pesto

Instructions

1. Toast the pine nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the purple basil: Rinse the purple basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly. Excess water can make the pesto watery.
3. Combine ingredients: In your food processor or blender, combine the purple basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Pulse to mix: Pulse the mixture a few times until coarsely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
5. Add olive oil and lemon juice: With the machine running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice. Continue blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky.
6. Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Blend briefly to combine.
7. Store or serve: Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or container. If not using immediately, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning and refrigerate. Use within 5-7 days for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

“For a nut-free version, try substituting the pine nuts with sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely for a lighter pesto.”

– If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan pesto, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.

– To intensify the garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the pesto for a mellow, sweet taste.

– Experiment with different nuts like walnuts, cashews, or almonds to find your favorite texture and flavor.

– Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula for an extra nutrient boost and a slightly milder taste.

– For a zesty kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Purple basil pesto is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Toss it with your favorite pasta for a colorful, flavorful dinner.
• Spread it on toasted baguette slices or crackers for a quick appetizer.
• Use as a marinade or sauce for grilled vegetables, tofu, or chicken.
• Drizzle over roasted potatoes or mix into mashed potatoes for an herby twist.
• Add a spoonful to homemade pizza just before serving.
• Stir into soups or stews for an extra layer of fresh flavor.

For more delicious plant-based sauce ideas, check out these recipes:

• Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals
• Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas
• Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Conclusion

Incorporating purple basil pesto into your culinary repertoire is a wonderful way to add both bold flavor and striking color to your meals. This recipe is straightforward, quick to prepare, and offers plenty of room for customization based on your preference or dietary needs.

The unique taste of purple basil combined with wholesome nuts, cheese, and garlic creates a pesto that’s vibrant, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

Not only does this pesto taste fantastic, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this purple basil pesto will quickly become a versatile staple.

Try it on pasta, sandwiches, or roasted veggies, and enjoy the burst of flavor and color it brings. Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Purple Basil Pesto”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A vibrant twist on traditional pesto using fragrant purple basil leaves. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “1 cup”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups fresh purple basil leaves, packed”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/3 cup pine nuts”, “2 cloves garlic”, “1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Combine purple basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pulse until coarsely chopped.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly add olive oil while processing until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning to taste.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “5g”, “fatContent”: “16g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “3g”}}