If you’re looking for an easy, healthy sauce for pasta or veggies, pesto is a great option. You can always go with our classic pesto recipe, or you can switch up the flavor by adding fresh herbs, including arugula, cilantro, or mint. Also, keep in mind that many cultures have their own variation on pesto, like chimichurri, so you can try those out as well.

Regardless of your particular pesto preferences, we’ve got some great tips to make sure you get the most out of your recipe:

Texture is key.

Some people love super-smooth pesto while others like it chunky. Luckily, Vitamix can help with both.

If you’re Team Chunky, simply use the pulse option to avoid over-processing. For those in the smooth camp, go ahead and full-out puree it—emulsification will intensify the flavor, giving it a big, bold taste.

Either way, remember that you can throw your ingredients as-is right in your blender—no chopping required!

Individualize your recipe.

Are you watching what you eat? You can still have pesto! Check out our oil- and dairy-free pesto recipe for all the flavor without the calories and lactose.

And if you’re just looking for another pesto approach, our Red Pepper and Walnut Pesto offers a different yet still delicious flavor.

Whichever recipe you choose, one of the best things about making your own pesto is ensuring your sauce is made from whole foods with no additives or other unwanted ingredients.

Make now, eat later.

We all have days when we don’t have the time or energy to cook. That’s why our Vitamix chefs love making big batches of pesto. You can freeze the leftover sauce in ice cube trays, then take it out when you need it. Just boil some pasta, heat up your sauce, and you’ve got a quick, healthy, and delicious meal ready to go!

For those of you using a 64-ounce Low-Profile Container, keep adding ingredients until the container is full, then start blending. You can add blocks of cheese or additional ingredients through the lid plug (while blending) to maximize your batch size.

Whether you like smooth or chunky, classic or with a twist, there are plenty of ways to personalize pesto, and Vitamix makes the process quick and easy. So do some experimenting to find what works best for you—and enjoy all the taste testing along the way!