Homemade Walnut Pesto
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Servings
12 serving
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Calories
120 kcal
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Italian-American Fussion
Homemade Walnut Pesto
Description
This walnut pesto recipe starts by toasting walnuts in a skillet until golden to deepen their flavor. Fresh basil leaves and peeled garlic cloves are combined with the toasted nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and salt in a food processor. While running the processor, extra virgin olive oil is slowly added to create a smooth, cohesive pesto sauce.
The pesto has a creamy texture with a balanced herbaceous basil taste and the rich nuttiness of walnuts. The Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth, and garlic lends a subtle pungency.
This versatile pesto can be used tossed with hot pasta, spread on bread, or as a sauce for grilled meats and vegetables. It is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain its freshness and color.
Variations include substituting Pecorino Romano cheese for Parmesan or using different nuts like almonds or pecans. Adding a thin layer of olive oil on top before refrigeration can help prevent oxidation.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil fresh leaves
- 1-2 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Peel garlic cloves and remove stems from basil
- Toast your walnuts in a dry skillet over medium low heat until they just start to turn golden brown - about 7 minutes, tossing frequently
- Place basil, garlic, walnuts, parmesan cheese, and salt in a food processor
- Process until fully combine
- With the food processor running, slowly stream in olive oil - you may need to stop the food processor and scraps down the sides to be sure all the ingredients are mixed in
- Once all of the oil is added, keep the food processor running until a smooth pesto remains
- Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to one week
Notes
- Substitute Pecorino Romano cheese for Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Almonds or pecans can replace walnuts if preferred or unavailable.
- To keep pesto fresh longer, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before storing in the fridge.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 120 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1g | |
| Calories | 120kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 170mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 35mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 248IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 48mg | 5% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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