Jamie Oliver Pesto Recipe

Fragrant, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Jamie Oliver Pesto is a classic that transforms simple pasta, salads, or grilled veggies into something truly delicious. With just a few ingredients and a blender or pestle and mortar, you can whip up fresh, homemade pesto in minutes—no store-bought jar compares.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Pesto?

Jamie Oliver’s pesto is a traditional Italian green sauce made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon. It’s typically used as a pasta sauce, marinade, or topping and is known for its fresh, herby, nutty, and cheesy flavor profile.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Banana Pudding
• Mary Berry Cookie Dough
• Jamie Oliver Lemon Chicken
• Jamie Oliver Kimchi

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Quick to prepare – Ready in just 5–10 minutes
• Uses fresh, whole ingredients – No preservatives
• Versatile in use – Works with pasta, chicken, or bread
• Customizable – Easily adaptable for allergies or preferences
• Elevates simple dishes – Adds instant flavor
• Make-ahead friendly – Stores well in the fridge

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver’s Pesto

• 2 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves
• 1 small handful of pine nuts (about 30g)
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• Extra virgin olive oil (approx. 100ml, adjust as needed)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes:

• Basil: Use only fresh basil leaves, not dried.
• Pine nuts: Can be toasted for a deeper flavor.
• Parmesan: Use good-quality cheese, freshly grated.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin for best taste and smooth texture.
• Lemon: Adds brightness—optional but recommended.

Equipment Needed

• Food processor or blender
• Cheese grater
• Measuring spoons
• An airtight jar or container for storage
• Pestle and mortar (optional for traditional method)

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Pesto

Step 1: Toast the pine nuts (optional)

• Lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until golden. Let them cool.

Step 2: Blend the ingredients

• In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan.
• Pulse a few times to combine.

Step 3: Add the oil

• With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4: Finish with lemon and seasonings

• Stir in lemon juice, if using, and season with salt and pepper. Blend again briefly.

Step 5: Serve or store

• Use immediately or store in the fridge in an airtight container with a layer of olive oil on top.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver’s Pesto

• Tossed with spaghetti or penne – Classic and comforting
• Spread on crusty bread or crostini – Makes a simple starter
• Mixed into quinoa or couscous – Brightens grain salads
• Drizzled over grilled chicken – Adds herby punch
• Swirled into soups – Enhances flavor instantly
• Topping for pizza – Alternative to tomato base
• Layered in sandwiches or wraps – Brings depth and moisture

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Pesto

• Use fresh basil only – Dried won’t deliver the same flavor
• Pulse, don’t puree – Keeps texture slightly coarse
• Taste as you go – Balance salt, cheese, and lemon
• Add oil gradually – Helps control thickness
• Toast the nuts – Adds nuttier depth
• Store with oil on top – Prevents oxidation
• Avoid heating pesto – Add to hot dishes just before serving

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Pesto

• Swap pine nuts with walnuts or almonds – More affordable and equally tasty
• Use rocket or spinach – For a peppery or milder twist
• Make it vegan – Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast
• Add chili flakes – For a touch of heat
• Include sun-dried tomatoes – Turns it into red pesto
• Try cashew pesto – Creamier and slightly sweet
• Use different oils – Like avocado oil for a twist

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver’s Pesto

• Use airtight glass jars – Keeps it fresh for up to 5 days
• Cover the top with oil – Seals out air and keeps color vibrant
• Refrigerate immediately – Always store in the fridge
• Freeze in small portions – Use ice cube trays for convenience
• Label the container – Track freshness and ingredients

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Pesto

• Avoid direct heating – Heat ruins the fresh flavor
• Add to warm dishes – Let residual heat melt and combine the sauce
• If needed, warm gently – Use low heat and add water or pasta water
• Mix with warm pasta just before serving – Classic way to use pesto

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Pesto Healthier?

• Reduce oil slightly – Use just enough to bind
• Skip the cheese – Try a dairy-free alternative
• Use more greens – Add spinach or kale to reduce fat per serving
• Use unsalted nuts – Helps control sodium
• Cut back on salt – Especially if using Parmesan
• Use whole leaf herbs – More fiber and nutrients
• Make it with less fat cheese – Grana Padano is a good choice

Nutrition Value (per tablespoon, approx.):

• Calories: 90
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 0g

FAQs

How do you keep homemade pesto green and fresh?

Store pesto in an airtight jar and pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to seal out air. This helps preserve the bright green color and prevents oxidation in the fridge.

Can I make pesto without a food processor?

Yes, you can make pesto using a mortar and pestle for a more traditional texture. Finely chopping ingredients by hand and mixing them in a bowl also works in a pinch.

Should I toast pine nuts before making pesto?

Toasting pine nuts is optional but enhances their nutty flavor. Toast them in a dry skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.

How do I adjust the consistency of pesto?

To make pesto thinner, gradually add more olive oil while blending. For a thicker version, use less oil or add more cheese and nuts. Taste and adjust as needed.

Final Words

This Jamie Oliver Pesto is the ultimate go-to for adding freshness and bold flavor to everyday meals. It’s fast, adaptable, and keeps well, making it perfect for busy cooks. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

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