Pesto & Pasta Sauce
-
Business customer? Our trade team is here to help. Learn more >
-
Business customer? Our trade team is here to help. Learn more >
-
Business customer? Our trade team is here to help. Learn more >
Filters
ClosePesto & Pasta Sauce
What is pesto?
What makes pesto? The answer, it turns out, depends on many factors - what basil you use, which cuisine you listen to use, and which other ingredients you decide to combine with the nuts and olive oil. The following guide to pesto will tell you everything you need to know about this popular Italian sauce — and may even inspire your own spin on this versatile, flavorful green spread!
Pesto is a sauce that is usually made by blending fresh basil with olive oil and nuts into a creamy paste. It originated in Genoa, Italy but has since spread to become a popular dish all over the world. The word pesto comes from the Italian word pestare, which means to pound because it was traditionally created by hand using a mortar and pestle.
What are the main ingredients of pesto?
Pesto is a dish of Italian origin that is traditionally made with basil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients are combined with olive oil and salt before being pureed until smooth. There are many variations of pesto, including those made with other herbs such as parsley or cilantro. Other common ingredients include walnuts, almonds or even sun-dried tomatoes.
Ways to use pesto
Pesto can be used in so many ways. It works wonderfully as an instant and simple pasta sauce tossed through both hot and cold pasta. It also works brilliantly as a condiment - add it to a grilled cheese sandwich or drizzle it over a crisp summer salad. Even a marinade for meats and vegetables - the possibilities are endless!
Some of our favourite pesto recipes: