I love pesto sauce, I make my own and I changed it some.
I use roasted walnuts instead of Pinenuts, for one walnuts are 18 times more nutritious and pine nuts are stupid expensive for what they are.
I add no salt, the Grand Padana or Parmesan has more than enough.
Pesto freezes great and will last 6 mths, it lasts 5-7 days depending on your fridge temp, in the fridge.
I make pesto with fresh basil and with Dry, dry is for when I dont want to go out and by fresh basil and I always have it in the house and it comes out quite good.
My Dry Pesto
1/2cup dried Basil
1/4 cup roasted walnuts
3cloves garlic
1/2 cup Grated Grand Padano or Parmesan
1/2 cup olive oil
This comes a bit dry and strong I like it like that, if you want it wetter add more olive oil.
I have a small food processor and from start to finish takes me about 12 minutes
I use pesto on Pasta, my favorite being linquine with Broiled Scallops
I make Pesto Chicken and I like it as a side dish with Cous Cous
I use it on sandwichs instead of mayo or mustard, especially on fried Eggplant sandwichs.
Alas its an aquired taste and most either like it or hate it.