Blender or food processor. 1  Blend half the basil with the nuts, cheese, and garlic: Combine half of the basil with the nuts, cheese, cloves, and salt in a blender or food processor. 2  Blend continuously until the ingredients are finely chopped.aste and adjust: Taste the pesto and add more salt, garlic, nuts, or cheese as needed to taste. Store your pesto: Pesto will darken and brown very quickly, but will still be tasty and fresh for several days. For best appearance, use it right away.