Basil Walnut Pesto
A vibrant and flavorful Basil Walnut Pesto that transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh Italian basil leaves (packed, rinsed and dried)
- ¼ cup walnuts
- 2 garlic cloves (peeled)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (divided, plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Grab a large bunch of fresh basil and rinse it thoroughly. Pat dry.
- Toast the walnuts (optional): Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toss the walnuts for about 5 minutes until golden.
- Blitz the basil and walnuts: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, toasted walnuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse a few times.
- Add the cheese and seasoning: Include Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Drizzle in olive oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until creamy.
- Adjust consistency and flavor: Add more olive oil or water to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Store or serve: Pack into a jar with olive oil on top and cover. Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
Pesto is versatile; use it with pasta, meats, sandwiches, or as a dip. Personalize with your favorite ingredients!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: pesto, basil pesto, walnut pesto, Italian sauce, vegetarian sauce