
Most store-bought pestos and condiments are loaded with preservatives, emulsifiers, and additives that people avoiding parabens and synthetic compounds work hard to steer clear of. This version keeps things completely clean ā every ingredient is whole, fresh, and recognizable, from the packed basil leaves to the briny green olives and bright squeeze of lemon. The olives do something clever here, standing in for the richness that pine nuts or cheese typically provide, while adding a savory, slightly funky depth that makes the finished sauce genuinely interesting. A slow drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil brings it all together into something silky and vibrant, with just enough texture left in to remind you it was made by hand. The lemon zest lifts the whole thing and keeps it tasting alive rather than flat. Toss it with pasta, spread it on crusty bread, or spoon it over roasted vegetables ā it works beautifully in almost any direction you take it. Store it in a sealed jar and you'll find yourself reaching for it all week long.
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Learn more ā6 servings








Combine the basil leaves, green olives, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8ā10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and the garlic is broken down.
With the processor running, pour the olive oil in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube, processing until the pesto is smooth with a few flecks of texture remaining ā about 20ā30 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, then pulse once or twice more to incorporate.
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