Thermomix Pesto

A simple and tasty Thermomix Pesto recipe made using fresh basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil and pine nuts.

Ready in just 5 minutes, this pesto makes a delicious dip served with crackers, a healthy sauce for your favourite pasta dinner or pasta salad, or a yummy addition to baked chicken or salmon.

Once you've made your own homemade pesto, and taste the difference, you'll NEVER be able to go back to store-bought again!

The BIG, fresh flavours are perfect for serving at a party with a cheese board, or as a sauce to your favourite pesto pasta for dinner, with chicken or salmon, stirred through any pasta salad recipe at a BBQ, or simply on it's own with veggie sticks (a favourite with the kids!)

Why You're Going To Love This Thermomix Recipe

Everyone's favourite basil pesto recipe couldn't possibly be any easier to make using the Thermomix!

• 5 ingredients - this flavoursome classic Thermomix pesto recipe is made using fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic and olive oil. The classic flavours of Italy!
• Multiple ways to use - you can serve this simple pesto on a cheese board with crackers, stir it through your favourite pasta dinner or pasta salad, add it to baked chicken or salmon... however you like!
• Packed full of flavour - thanks to the intensity of fresh basil, this tasty Thermomix pesto is absolutely FULL of big, fresh flavours.
• Freezer-friendly - make it ahead of time and store in the fridge (see tips below) for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Such a handy condiment to have on hand and ready to go whenever you need!
• Easy substitutions - feel free to substitute the fresh basil for rocket, kale or spinach and the pine nuts for cashews, almonds or walnuts. So many delicious combinations!

What You Need

Just 5 ingredients are needed to make the ULTIMATE Thermomix Basil Pesto!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

• Basil - choose fresh basil leaves - dried basil will NOT work in this recipe! Alternatively, you could substitute the fresh basil for rocket, kale or spinach.
• Pine nuts - these give the pesto its classic nutty flavour. Alternatively, you can substitute the pine nuts with cashews, almonds or walnuts if you wish.
• Garlic - choose fresh garlic cloves or a store-bought minced garlic.
• Parmesan cheese - this flavour packed cheese gives the perfect bite to my Thermomix pesto recipe. It's so quick and easy to grate in the Thermomix and much more economical to buy in a block.
• Olive oil - choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Salt & pepper - season to your taste.

Equipment Required

To make this pesto recipe you'll need a Thermomix machine (alternatively you can use a regular food processor or any other thermal cooking machine).

This recipe is suitable for use in all of the Thermomix machine models.

Step By Step Thermomix Instructions

Just 2 simple steps are needed to make this healthy Thermomix basil pesto!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 - Grate The Parmesan

Place the parmesan cheese into the Thermomix bowl and mix until finely grated.

Step 2 - Add The Remaining Ingredients

Add the fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil.

Season with salt and pepper.

Mix until the pesto is completely combined and no large chunks remain.

Tips For Making Pesto In A Thermomix

The Thermomix makes preparing pesto an absolute breeze!

• Grate the parmesan first - this allows the parmesan to be finely grated while the pine nuts still have the classic pesto texture.
• Use a whole garlic clove or pre-minced garlic - because the blades of the Thermomix are so sharp, you can place a whole garlic clove directly into the bowl and it will finely mince it. Alternatively, you can use pre-minced garlic from the supermarket.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl - partway through mixing, scape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures that all of the ingredients combine evenly.
• Place the MC (measuring cup) on top before mixing - this stops any splatters!

FAQ's

All your Thermomix pesto questions answered!

Expert Tips

• How to avoid the pesto turning brown - the pesto will turn brown when exposed to air. Therefore store pesto in a completely airtight container in the fridge. If your container is not airtight, add a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto when storing in the fridge.
• Storing - store the pesto in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing - you can freeze Thermomix pesto for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
• Equipment - if you don't have a Thermomix, you can make this pesto using a food processor.

More Thermomix Recipes

Put your Thermomix to work making these delicious sauces and condiments!