Quick & Simple Joanna Gaines Pesto Recipe for Summer Magic

Joanna Gaines’s pesto transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that sparks excitement in home kitchens.

Vibrant green and intensely aromatic, this classic sauce celebrates fresh herb combinations and nutty undertones.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly to create a smooth, creamy condiment that elevates simple dishes.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across your palate with each delectable spoonful.

Handcrafted sauces like these connect us to traditional cooking techniques and bring warmth to family meals.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making this recipe a game-changer for busy cooks seeking delicious shortcuts.

Prepare to revolutionize your meal preparation with this sensational sauce: let’s get cooking!

Pesto-Making Tips from Joanna Gaines

• Crush Herbs Strategically: Break basil leaves gently by hand to release intense aromatic oils before blending, maximizing flavor potential.
• Balance Cheese Texture: Grate Parmesan using microplane for ultra-fine, melt-in-your-mouth cheese particles that distribute evenly throughout pesto.
• Control Oil Consistency: Stream olive oil slowly into blender, watching texture transform from chunky to silky smooth sauce with perfect emulsion.
• Enhance Nut Depth: Warm walnuts briefly in dry skillet, letting natural oils bloom and develop deeper, richer nutty undertones before grinding.
• Finesse Final Seasoning: Sample pesto immediately after blending, adjusting salt levels subtly and tasting repeatedly until flavor profile feels perfectly balanced.

Keeping Joanna Gaines’ Pesto Fresh

• Vacuum Seal: Lock in freshness by transferring pesto into vacuum-sealed bags, removing all air to prevent oxidation and preserve vibrant green color. Properly sealed pesto can maintain quality for up to 2 months in the refrigerator, protecting delicate herbs and preventing flavor degradation.
• Freeze in Small Portions: Spoon pesto into silicone ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers, ensuring each portion is compact and airtight. These individual servings allow quick defrosting and prevent waste, letting you enjoy fresh-tasting pesto whenever culinary inspiration strikes.
• Glass Jar Storage: Choose dark-colored glass jars with tight-fitting lids to shield pesto from light and air exposure. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to create a protective barrier, which helps prevent discoloration and extends the sauce's shelf life in the refrigerator.

Different Ways to Enjoy Joanna Gaines’ Pesto

• Herb Harmony Pesto: Swap basil with a mix of parsley, mint, and cilantro for a vibrant, multi-herb flavor profile that adds freshness and complexity to your sauce.
• Nutty Fusion Blend: Replace walnuts with pine nuts, almonds, or pistachios to create a unique texture and introduce different nutty undertones that complement the herbs.
• Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the pesto a rich, slightly spicy Mediterranean-inspired character that elevates simple dishes.
• Vegan Green Sauce: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and add a handful of cashews for creaminess, creating a plant-based version that maintains the original recipe's robust flavor.

Wrapping Joanna Gaines’ Pesto Recipe Up

Joanna Gaines’ pesto recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Green basil leaves dance with nutty walnuts, creating Mediterranean magic right in your kitchen.

Parmesan cheese adds rich complexity while garlic provides bold undertones.

Olive oil brings silky smoothness to each spoonful of this classic sauce.

Versatile pesto can elevate pasta, sandwiches, and grilled meats with its robust flavor profile.

Embrace this simple yet sophisticated recipe that connects home cooks with authentic Italian traditions – share this delightful creation with friends, sprinkle some culinary love across social media, and let fellow enthusiasts savor every delicious moment of this kitchen journey.

What Makes Joanna Gaines’ Pesto So Good

• Whip Up a Quick Flavor Explosion: This pesto recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, zesty sauce in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who crave intense, fresh flavors.
• Unlock Versatile Culinary Magic: Joanna Gaines' pesto serves multiple purposes – spread it on bread, toss with pasta, drizzle over vegetables, or use as a flavor-packed topping that elevates any basic dish with minimal effort.
• Nail a Professional-Level Technique: By using a food processor, you'll effortlessly blend ingredients into a silky-smooth sauce, creating restaurant-quality results without complicated cooking skills or specialized equipment.
• Enjoy a Nutrient-Packed Flavor Bomb: Packed with fresh basil, protein-rich walnuts, and savory Parmesan, this pesto delivers robust nutrition and incredible taste in every single spoonful, making healthy eating deliciously simple.

Joanna Gaines’ Pesto Recipe Ingredients List

• Basil Leaves: Foundational herb that provides the classic pesto flavor and vibrant green color. Fresh and fragrant basil works best.
• Walnuts: Adds rich, earthy texture and nutty depth to the pesto. Raw or lightly toasted walnuts are perfect.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the pesto sauce. Freshly grated is recommended.

• Garlic: Brings intense, pungent flavor that complements the basil and creates a robust base.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend ingredients and creates a smooth, silky consistency. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of the pesto.

Quick Steps to Joanna Gaines’ Fresh Pesto

Step 1: Collect Ingredients

• Fresh basil leaves
• Walnuts
• Garlic cloves
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Make sure ingredients are fresh and at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Food Processor

Place food processor on clean, stable surface. Ensure all processor parts are clean and dry.

Step 3: Combine Base Ingredients

• Fresh basil leaves
• Walnuts
• Garlic cloves
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Pulse ingredients until finely chopped and well combined.

Step 4: Create Smooth Texture

Turn food processor on low speed. Slowly drizzle olive oil into mixture while processing. Continue until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Sprinkle salt and black pepper into mixture. Pulse 2-3 times to incorporate seasonings evenly.

Step 6: Taste and Modify

Sample pesto and adjust flavors if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cheese according to preference.

Step 7: Store or Serve

Transfer pesto to airtight container. Use immediately as pasta sauce, bread spread, or vegetable topping. Refrigerate unused portion for up to 5 days.

Joanna Gaines Pesto Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Joanna Gaines’ pesto brings fresh Italian flavors straight from her Magnolia kitchen to your table. Homemade basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan combine into a silky sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, and countless culinary adventures you’ll love exploring.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
• 4 cloves garlic

Cheese:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 cup olive oil
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a food processor and measure out fresh basil leaves, ensuring they are clean and free from any bruised or discolored sections.
2. Add whole walnuts, peeled garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams or 1.8 ounces) into the food processor.
3. Pulse the ingredients until they form a coarse, textured mixture with small, uniform pieces.
4. While the processor is running, gradually stream in extra virgin olive oil (approximately 120 milliliters or 1/2 cup) in a steady, thin drizzle to emulsify the sauce.
5. Pause the processor and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
6. Season the pesto with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.
7. Give the mixture a final quick blend to distribute the seasonings and achieve a smooth, vibrant green consistency.
8. Transfer the pesto to a serving bowl or storage container, using immediately for maximum flavor or refrigerating for up to 5 days with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.
9. Serve as a versatile sauce for pasta, a flavorful spread on crusty bread, or a dynamic topping for grilled vegetables and proteins.

Notes

• Discover the magic of transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, aromatic sauce that screams homemade goodness.
• Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pine nuts for a unique twist on traditional pesto.
• Prevent browning by adding a thin layer of olive oil on top when storing in the refrigerator.
• Clean your blender immediately after use to avoid stubborn pesto residue that hardens quickly.
• Freeze pesto in ice cube trays for convenient single-serving portions ready to elevate any dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 70 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 64 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg