Description
This Walnut Pesto Recipe is a delicious, budget-friendly twist on the classic Italian sauce. By swapping pine nuts for walnuts, this pesto achieves a rich, creamy texture with a slightly earthy and nutty flavor. It’s perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, using as a dip, or drizzling over grilled meats and vegetables. Plus, it’s packed with heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, and fresh basil goodness!
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (washed and dried)
- ½ cup walnuts (raw or lightly toasted)
- 2–3 cloves garlic (peeled and minced)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ons:
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- 1 cup spinach or arugula (for extra greens)
- Pecorino Romano cheese (for a saltier bite)
Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Low-Sodium: Reduce salt and add extra lemon juice.
- Oil-Free: Replace olive oil with avocado or a splash of water.
- Nut-Free: Swap walnuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and dry basil leaves thoroughly.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes (optional, but enhances flavor).
- Peel and mince garlic cloves for even blending.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
- In a food processor, add basil, walnuts, garlic, parmesan, and lemon juice.
- Pulse a few times until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create a smooth consistency.
Step 3: Adjust and Store
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- If too thick, add a bit of pasta water or more olive oil.
- Transfer to a glass jar, drizzle a layer of olive oil on top, and refrigerate.
Notes
For best results, toast the walnuts before blending to enhance their nutty flavor. Store leftover pesto with a thin layer of olive oil on top to maintain its vibrant green color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Walnut Pesto, Basil Pesto, Homemade Pesto, Easy Pesto Recipe, Italian Sauce, No-Cook Sauce, Healthy Pesto, Dairy-Free Pesto