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Yes, you can make pesto with basil paste, and it’s actually a fantastic shortcut for busy weeknights.
Basil paste works beautifully as a base for pesto because it already has the concentrated basil flavor you love.
The question isn’t really whether you can make pesto with basil paste, but rather how to tweak it so it tastes just as fresh and vibrant as the classic stuff.
In this post, we’ll dig into why basil paste is a solid option, what to add to turn it into real pesto, and the little tricks that make all the difference.
Let’s get started on making pesto with basil paste that you’ll actually crave.
Why You Can Make Pesto With Basil Paste
First off, let’s talk about why making pesto with basil paste is such a smart move.
Basil paste is essentially basil that’s been blended with a little oil and sometimes salt to keep it fresh.
It’s not the same as a finished pesto, but it’s the perfect starting point because the hardest part—prepping and blending fresh basil—is already done for you.
When you make pesto with basil paste, you skip the chopping, the wilting, and the mess.
You also get a consistent basil flavor every single time, which is great if you’re cooking for picky eaters or just want reliability.
1. Basil Paste Is Already Concentrated Basil
The main reason you can make pesto with basil paste is that it’s basically basil in its most concentrated form.
A little bit of paste goes a long way, so you can control exactly how basil-forward you want your pesto to be.
If you’ve ever tried making pesto with fresh basil that went bad in the fridge, you’ll appreciate how handy basil paste is.
It holds its flavor for weeks, which means you can make pesto with basil paste whenever the craving hits.
2. You Don’t Need to Blanch or Dry Basil
Fresh basil needs to be washed and spun dry before blending, or your pesto turns watery.
But with basil paste, that step is history.
You can make pesto with basil paste straight from the jar or tube, no prep required.
This convenience is a lifesaver on nights when you’re juggling a million things and just want dinner on the table.
3. Basil Paste Is Pretty Darn Versatile
Another reason you can make pesto with basil paste is that it plays nicely with almost any other pesto ingredient.
Garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, olive oil—they all blend in effortlessly with the paste.
You can even make pesto with basil paste that’s dairy-free or nut-free by swapping those add-ins.
The paste just serves as the green heart of your sauce, and the rest is up to your taste buds.
How to Make Pesto With Basil Paste: The Simple Method
Now that you know you can make pesto with basil paste, let’s walk through the exact steps.
It takes about five minutes from start to finish, and you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
Here’s how to turn that humble tube or jar of basil paste into a pesto that’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor.
1. Gather Your Pesto Ingredients
For a classic batch, you’ll need about two tablespoons of basil paste for every one cup of pesto you want to make.
Then grab a clove or two of fresh garlic, a quarter cup of grated parmesan, three tablespoons of pine nuts or walnuts, and about a third cup of good olive oil.
If you want a smoother sauce, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
These additions will make your pesto with basil paste taste like you spent an hour in the garden, not five minutes with a spoon.
2. Blend or Stir Everything Together
You can make pesto with basil paste in a food processor, a blender, or even by hand.
For the fastest result, toss the basil paste, garlic, nuts, and parmesan into the processor and pulse a few times.
Then drizzle in the olive oil while the machine runs, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
If you’re mixing by hand, just mash the garlic and nuts first, then stir in the paste and oil.
Either way, you’ll see that making pesto with basil paste is ridiculously easy.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasonings
The beauty of this method is that you can make pesto with basil paste and then tweak it to perfection.
Taste your pesto and see if it needs more salt, a splash more lemon, or an extra drizzle of oil for silkiness.
Sometimes basil paste is saltier than fresh basil, so go easy on the salt at first.
You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s mixed in.
4. Store It Right or Use It Right Away
You can make pesto with basil paste and use it immediately, or store it for later.
If you’re storing it, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning, then pop it in the fridge.
This pesto will keep for about five to seven days, which is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dolloping on grilled veggies.
You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for single servings, so you always have homemade pesto ready.
Tips for Making Pesto With Basil Paste Taste Even Better
Sure, you can make pesto with basil paste and it’ll be good, but let’s make it great.
There are a few little upgrades that’ll take your jarred short-cut to the next level.
1. Toast Your Nuts First
Before you make pesto with basil paste, toast your pine nuts or walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes.
This brings out their natural oils and adds a toasty, warm depth that pairs beautifully with the basil paste.
It’s a tiny step that gives your pesto that restaurant-quality taste.
2. Use Cold-Pressed Olive Oil
The oil you choose matters a lot when you make pesto with basil paste.
Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil has a fruity, peppery quality that brightens up the whole sauce.
Cheap oil can make your pesto taste flat, so splurge a little here if you can.
3. Don’t Over-Blend
Keep your pesto slightly chunky for the best texture.
When you make pesto with basil paste, you want to see little flecks of herbs and nuts, not a completely smooth puree.
Over-blending can also make the garlic turn bitter, so pulse just until everything is combined.
4. Add a Handful of Fresh Herbs If You Have Them
If you’ve got a few fresh basil leaves or some parsley lying around, throw them in.
You can make pesto with basil paste and then boost it with fresh herbs for an even more vibrant green color and aroma.
This hybrid approach gives you the convenience of the paste with the brightness of fresh leaves.
Great Ways to Use Your Basil Paste Pesto
Once you’ve made pesto with basil paste, you’ll want to put it on everything.
And honestly, you should, because it’s that versatile.
1. Toss It With Pasta
The most classic move is to stir your pesto into hot, cooked pasta with a splash of starchy water.
The water helps the pesto coat every noodle evenly, so you get basil goodness in every bite.
This works with spaghetti, penne, or even tortellini.
2. Spread It on Sandwiches or Wraps
Instead of mayo or mustard, slather your homemade pesto on a sandwich.
It’s a fantastic spread for turkey, mozzarella, and tomato sandwiches.
You can make pesto with basil paste and keep it in the fridge just for this purpose.
3. Swirl It Into Soups or Dips
A spoonful of pesto can perk up a bowl of minestrone or a creamy white bean dip.
Just stir it in at the end so the flavor stays fresh and bright.
4. Use It as a Marinade or Drizzle
Brush your pesto onto chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables before cooking.
Or drizzle it over grilled zucchini and eggplant for a simple side dish that feels fancy.
So, Can You Make Pesto With Basil Paste?
Yes, you can make pesto with basil paste, and it’s honestly one of the easiest kitchen hacks out there.
It’s a quick, reliable way to get that fresh basil flavor without any of the prep work.
You just add a few pantry staples, blend or stir, and you’ve got a delicious pesto ready for pasta, sandwiches, and more.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a total beginner, making pesto with basil paste is a winner.
So next time you’re staring at a tube of basil paste and wondering what to do with it, you know the answer.
Go ahead and make pesto with basil paste that’s creamy, garlicky, and ready to elevate your meal.
Your future self will thank you for this tasty timesaver.