Classic basil pesto is typically a very simple recipe that has fresh basil leaves, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and frequently some fresh garlic cloves and pine nuts (you'll also sometimes see other nuts like walnuts in more unique versions). It's a superstar in Italian recipes like pesto pasta, cold pasta salad, or pesto pinwheels. There are also all sorts of other creative versions with different herbs and greens (like carrot top pesto – no kidding!), and even flavor variations like sun-dried tomato pesto. Basically, you blitz everything together in a food processor to make a basil sauce. If you want to try making your own pesto, check out the Fresh Basil Pesto from Elise at Simply Recipes, or maybe try the lightened-up pesto recipe from Gina at Skinnytaste.