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1 2 3 Pesto

Presto Pesto

Preparation: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

In Northern Italy, basil blankets the countryside. The abundance of this pungent herb led to the creation of pesto, a delicious paste blending fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.

Using Kraft Dressings - with their delicate balance of oil and seasonings - we've updated and simplified this Italian classic. And Kraft Parmesan Cheese adds great flavour and texture! We've also discovered three new ways to serve this traditional pasta partner. They're guaranteed to make pesto a star in your kitchen this summer.

1 2 3 Pesto

Ingredients

3 cups basil leaves
1/3 cup Kraft Classics Fine Herb Dressing
1/3 cup Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese

Just Follow Our Simple Steps:

Presto Pesto - Step 1

1. Combine 3 cups basil leaves, washed and thoroughly dried, with 1/3 cup each Kraft Classics Fine Herb Dressing and Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese in a food processor bowl or blender container.

Presto Pesto - Step 2

2. Cover and process or blend till almost smooth. To store, cover and refrigerate up to 1 week. Or freeze in ice cube trays; pop out and store in zip-lock bags.

Variations:

Black Olive Pesto

1. Add to basil mixture a handful of pitted black olives. Process as above.
Pesto Crostini

Sundried Tomato Pesto

1. Add to basil mixture a few oil-packed sundried tomatoes. Process as above.
Sundried Tomato Pesto Salad

Lemon Pesto

1. Add to basil mixture the rind of one lemon. Process as above.
Lemon Pesto Chicken

Tips:

  • You can also make pesto with Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing, Kraft Balsamic Dressing or Kraft Sundried Tomato & Oregano Dressing.
  • Toss with hot cooked pasta, grilled vegetables or cooked fresh green beans.
  • Spread on toasted French bread rounds. Sprinkle with diced plum tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and ripe olive slices.
  • Serve with grilled chicken or fish.
  • Add a couple tablespoonfuls to Kraft Mayo Real Mayonnaise to create a delicious sandwich pesto spread.

Basil Storage:

  • Wrap stems in a damp paper towel and refrigerate in a plastic bag up to four days. Or place a bunch, stems down, in a glass of water with a plastic bag over the leaves.
  • To grow basil in the garden, plant in full sun and keep well watered. Indoors, place by a sunny window.
Presto Pesto