Best 6 Easy Walnut Basil Pesto Recipes

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Walnut basil pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes, from pasta and pizza to salads and sandwiches. It is also a breeze to make, especially when you use a food processor. Whether you are new to homemade pesto or are an experienced chef looking to change up your routine, this easy walnut basil pesto recipe is sure to impress.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST BASIC PESTO



The Best Basic Pesto image

Homemade pesto sauce is easy to make, and it's good on just about everything, from pastas to pizzas to salads.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Dinner

Time 15m

Yield Makes about 1¼ cups (about 10 servings)

Number Of Ingredients 7

⅓ cup walnuts
2 large garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Steps:

  • Place the walnuts and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process until coarsely chopped, about 10 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper and process until mixture resembles a paste, about 1 minute. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly blended. Add the Parmesan and process a minute more. Use pesto immediately or store in a tightly sealed jar or air-tight plastic container, covered with a thin layer of olive oil (this seals out the air and prevents the pesto from oxidizing, which would turn it an ugly brown color). It will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.
  • Freezer-Friendly Instructions: Pesto can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months. You can also divide your prepared pesto into the compartments of an ice cube tray and freeze. Once it's frozen, remove the pesto cubes from the tray and put in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container. You can add the defrosted pesto cubes to soups, pasta dishes, eggs, sandwiches, and potatoes.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 2 Tbsp., Calories 159, Fat 17 g, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sugar 0 g, Fiber 0 g, Sodium 161 mg, Cholesterol 4 mg

WALNUT PESTO WITH BASIL



Walnut Pesto with Basil image

This homemade walnut pesto comes together in less than 10 minutes and can be frozen for up to six months. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, and more!

Provided by Sonja Overhiser

Categories     Sauce

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/4 cup walnuts
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, large grated
2 medium garlic cloves
3 cups loosely packed fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • In a small dry skillet, toast the walnuts over medium high heat, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. Remove the nuts to a bowl and allow them to cool slightly.
  • In food processor, combine walnuts, cheese, and garlic. Process until finely ground, 20 to 30 seconds.
  • Add the basil, lemon juice and kosher salt. Turn on the food processor and gradually pour in the olive oil. Once combined, turn off the food processor. Add a bit more olive oil if desired.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1, Calories 64 calories, Sugar 0.1 g, Sodium 127.7 mg, Fat 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 1.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1.5 g, Cholesterol 3.6 mg

BASIL-WALNUT PESTO



Basil-Walnut Pesto image

This is my favorite pesto recipe; rich but healthy due to "good" fats from olive oil and walnuts. It comes from "The Omega Diet." I usually freeze half the recipe for future use.

Provided by dahlia

Categories     Spreads

Time 12m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups packed basil leaves (approx. 2 oz)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons softened butter (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Steps:

  • Place basil, olive oil, walnuts, garlic and salt (if using) in food processor.
  • Blend until thoroughly combined.
  • Add Parmesan and butter (if using) and blend 5-10 seconds more.
  • Just before serving, add 2 Tbsp of hot pasta water from cooked pasta.
  • Serve over pasta with bread and salad.

BASIL WALNUT PESTO



Basil Walnut Pesto image

This Basil Walnut Pesto is ready in 10 minutes or less, and you don't even need the pricey pine nuts to make it. Turn your summer basil bumper crop into pesto and freeze it for the darkest days of winter. You'll be glad you did!

Provided by Meggan Hill

Categories     Pantry

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
1 cups fresh parsley (packed (see note 1))
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce)
1/4 cup walnuts (about 1 ounce (see note 2))
3 cloves garlic ((see note 3))
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a food processor or blender, add basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese, walnuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped, about 10 pulses.
  • With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and process until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 161 kcal, ServingSize 2 tbsp, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 17 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Sodium 55 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g

EASY WALNUT BASIL PESTO



Easy Walnut Basil Pesto image

Simple walnut pesto you can make in your food processor.

Provided by Jasa

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

¼ cup walnuts
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups packed fresh basil
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Pulse walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor until walnuts are finely chopped. Add basil leaves a little at a time, pulsing until a smooth paste forms. Mix in Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 102.9 calories, Carbohydrate 1.4 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 38.9 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

WALNUT PESTO



Walnut Pesto image

A cheaper alternative to pesto made with pine nuts. You can use raw or toasted walnuts. Some people like to add Parmesan cheese to this as well!

Provided by teachhope03

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups basil leaves
½ cup walnuts
¼ cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Blend basil, walnuts, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice together in a food processor until pesto has a paste-like consistency.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 455.3 calories, Carbohydrate 6.9 g, Fat 47.3 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 6.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.4 g, Sodium 2.9 mg, Sugar 1.1 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil, walnuts, and olive oil will give your pesto the best flavor.
  • Don't over-process the pesto: A few pulses in a food processor or blender is all you need to create a smooth and flavorful pesto.
  • Add cheese for a richer flavor: Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese can be added to the pesto for a richer flavor and texture.
  • Use pesto as a marinade or sauce: Pesto can be used to marinate chicken, fish, or vegetables before grilling or roasting. It can also be used as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or sandwiches.
  • Store pesto in the refrigerator or freezer: Pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Walnut basil pesto is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. With its bright green color and nutty flavor, walnut basil pesto is a surefire way to add some excitement to your next meal.

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