Basil is booming, and that means it’s time for one of summer’s most beloved rituals—making fresh pesto.
Whether you’re spreading it on sandwiches, tossing it with pasta, or drizzling it over grilled veggies, homemade pesto is pure garden-to-table joy.
Chef-Approved Pesto Recipes to Try
These chefs take classic pesto to delicious new heights:
- Giada De Laurentiis – Her Classic Pesto uses pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a citrusy kick.
- Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) – Her Spin on Pesto is creamy, simple, and endlessly versatile.
- Yotam Ottolenghi – Try his unique pesto blends, including mint and cilantro for a Middle Eastern twist.
- Joshua McFadden (Six Seasons) – His kale or parsley pesto is a hearty, peppery alternative perfect for leafy green overload. Plus, his cookbook is a great read and a favorite of our co-founder, Donna Letier.
Harvesting Tips for the Perfect Pesto
- Harvest in the Morning: Basil is most flavorful before the sun gets too strong.
- Pinch, Don’t Chop: Pinch just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering.
- Pick Before They Flower: Once basil bolts (flowers), it becomes bitter—keep pinching to extend the season. (If your basil flowers don’t fret, they can be used just like the leaves for oil infusions. They’re milder and slightly floral—perfect for a subtle, elegant flavor.)
- Use Tender Leaves: Avoid thick stems in your pesto—they can add unwanted bitterness or fiber.
Pesto Variations to Try
- Add mint or lemon balm for a fresh twist.
- Swap basil with parsley or arugula for seasonal spins.
- Use walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds if pine nuts are out of stock.
Grow Pro Tip: Make a double batch and freeze in ice cube trays—your future self will thank you on busy weeknights.
Fun & Fresh Pesto Facts
1. Pesto dates back to ancient Rome.
The origins of pesto can be traced to a Roman sauce called moretum, made by crushing herbs, garlic, cheese, and olive oil—sound familiar?
2. “Pesto” comes from the Italian word pestare.
It means “to crush” or “to pound”—a nod to the traditional mortar and pestle method still favored by purists.
3. Genovese basil is the star.
Authentic Pesto alla Genovese is made with D.O.P.-certified Genovese basil grown in Liguria, Italy. It’s smaller-leafed, sweeter, and more aromatic than most store-bought basil.
4. You don’t have to stick with basil.
Pesto is more of a method than a recipe. Parsley, mint, arugula, kale—even carrot tops—can be blended into a delicious “green sauce.”
5. Traditional pesto never touches heat.
Classic pesto is stirred into hot dishes off the stove—cooking it can dull its vibrant flavor and color.
6. It freezes like a dream.
Pesto cubes (frozen in ice trays) can last up to 6 months and are perfect for quick meals or marinades.
7. It’s packed with nutrition.
Thanks to fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, and nuts, pesto is loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and brain-boosting nutrients.
Tested & Tasted: The Gardenuity Pesto Pick
The Gardenuity team rolled up our sleeves, harvested fresh basil from our patio gardens, and put several pesto recipes to the test. After a few delicious rounds of taste-testing (a very serious job, we promise), we found our favorite.
Our Favorite Basil Pesto Recipe:
A bright, classic basil pesto with a twist of lemon and a touch of mint. It’s fresh, smooth, and a little unexpected—perfect for summer.
✨ The Winning Blend:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a toastier flavor)
- 1–2 cloves garlic
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Blend until smooth. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin.
Our Favorite Way to Enjoy It? With friends and family!
Drizzled over warm roasted veggies, spread on a crusty sandwich, or tossed with pasta and garden-fresh cherry tomatoes. We also love it as a dip with fresh cucumber slices!
Grow. Harvest. Taste. Repeat.
The joy of pesto is in how you make it your own—starting with your own garden.
