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Overhead view of walnut basil pesto in a white ramekin surrounded by fresh basil leaves, walnuts, lemon slices, and a wooden spoon.

Walnut Basil Pesto

Recipe Cost 4.13
Serving Cost 1.03
Course sauces
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 people
Recipe Cost $ 4.13
Serving Cost $ 1.03
AUTHOR Jillian
For a delicious twist on a traditional pesto recipe, try this easy Walnut Pesto recipe. Toss it in pasta or smear it on warm, crusty bread.

Ingredients
 

  • ¼ cup shelled walnuts
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves stems removed and lightly packed
  • ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese lightly packed
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper to taste
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • Add the walnuts, basil leaves, parmesan cheese, garlic clove, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Secure the lid and pulse several times until the larger pieces are broken down.
    ¼ cup shelled walnuts, 1 cup fresh basil leaves, ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, Black pepper to taste
  • While the processor is running at low speed, pour in the lemon juice.
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Continue processing and slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
    ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything blends evenly.
  • Process until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.
  • Use right away or transfer to a container with a lid and refrigerate.

Notes

This recipe makes 1 cup of pesto. 

Storage Tips

Serve: Serve it over pasta, as a sandwich spread, over poultry and fish, etc.
Store: Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.  
Freeze: Transfer the pesto to a freezer-safe container or zipper-top bag and freeze for 4-5 months.
Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 3-4 hours. You will need to give the mixture a quick stir once it's defrosted.

Equipment

food processor
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber scraper

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cupCalories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 134mgPotassium: 65mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 384IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 119mgIron: 1mg

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