Best 20 Walnut Pesto Recipes

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Walnut pesto is a vibrant and flavorful sauce that adds a delightful twist to various dishes. It is a versatile condiment that can transform ordinary meals into culinary delights. With its rich nutty flavor and vibrant green color, walnut pesto is a true culinary gem. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to expand your culinary horizons, discovering the best recipe for walnut pesto will open up a world of possibilities in your kitchen.

Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!

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

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.

SPINACH WALNUT PESTO



Spinach Walnut Pesto image

This flavorful pesto is easy to make and will transform your meal into a 5-star dish. It's great served with linguine pasta. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup pesto each pound of pasta.

Provided by Shan

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

Time 15m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups fresh baby spinach, stems removed
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
½ cup chopped walnuts
¼ cup water
3 cloves garlic
¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Place spinach, Parmesan cheese, parsley, walnuts, water, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor; blend until well combined. Pour in oil slowly, while processor is running, until mixture forms a smooth paste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 442.8 calories, Carbohydrate 4.6 g, Cholesterol 17.6 mg, Fat 43.4 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 460.7 mg, Sugar 0.7 g

BASIL WALNUT PESTO



Basil Walnut Pesto image

Fresh basil and parsley, garlic, and parmesan cheese make delicious classic pesto for an easy summer dinner.

Provided by Oster® Versa®

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Oster® Versa® Brand

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

½ cup walnut halves or pieces, toasted
2 medium garlic cloves
2 cups lightly packed basil leaves
1 cup lightly packed parsley leaves
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup water
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 pinch Kosher salt, as desired

Steps:

  • Combine walnuts and garlic in Oster® Versa® Performance Blender; PULSE on HIGH 2 to 3 times to chop finely.
  • Add remaining ingredients; select programmed DIP/SALSA setting.
  • If necessary PULSE on HIGH 5 to 6 times to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 153.8 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 1.8 mg, Fat 15.8 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 74.7 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

ARUGULA AND WALNUT PESTO



Arugula and Walnut Pesto image

The strong, meaty flavor of the walnuts balances out the astringency of the arugula, a good blend of flavors.

Provided by Mercy

Categories     Sauces

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups of packed arugula leaves
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, unpeeled
1/2 garlic clove, peeled and minced

Steps:

  • Brown 6 garlic cloves with their peels on in a skillet over medium high heat until the garlic is lightly browned in places, about 10 minutes. Remove the garlic from the pan, cool, and remove the skins.
  • Toast the nuts in a pan over medium heat until lightly brown, or heat in a microwave on high heat for a minute or two until you get that roasted flavor. In our microwave it takes 2 minutes.
  • Combine the arugula, walnuts, roasted and raw garlic into a food processor. Pulse while drizzling the olive oil into the processor. Remove the mixture from the processor and put it into a bowl. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
  • Because the pesto is so dependent on the individual ingredients, and the strength of the ingredients depends on the season or variety, test it and add more of the ingredients to taste.
  • Mix with freshly prepared pasta of your choice. You may need to add a little bit of water or more olive oil to mix the pesto more evenly with the pasta.
  • Makes enough pesto sauce for an ample serving of pasta for four people.

BASIL WALNUT PESTO



BASIL WALNUT PESTO image

Categories     Condiment/Spread     Herb     Quick & Easy

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, rinsed and dried
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
4 tbsp freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano
1/4 cup good extra virgin olive oil
1 large garlic clove
big squeeze of fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Pulse together basil and walnuts in a food processor (I used my mini one for this batch - easy clean up - but feel free to double the recipe if you're in need of a bigger batch). Add garlic and olive oil. Pulse again. Add cheese, lemon juice and salt and pepper. Pulse until just blended. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula and pulse a few more times. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator. Add more olive oil before serving, if taken straight from the fridge.

PENNE WITH ARUGULA AND WALNUT PESTO



Penne with Arugula and Walnut Pesto image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 27m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
2 cloves cracked garlic
12 ounces arugula, stems removed
1/2 cup walnut pieces or 2/3 cup walnut halves, toasted
1/4 teaspoon ground or grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 pound penne rigate (with lines) pasta
1/3 pound fresh green beans, cut into thirds

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat cook garlic in oil 5 minutes, then remove pan from stove top. Fill the food processor with arugula, loosely packed. Add walnuts and 1/2 of the warm oil and both cloves of garlic to the arugula in the processor. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to the processor bowl, set lid in place and pulse grind the mixture into a thick paste. Add any remaining arugula to the processor and grind into the paste by pulsing the processor again. Transfer arugula paste to a large pasta bowl. Stir in the remaining oil and the cheese. Taste pesto sauce and adjust seasonings.
  • While cooking penne to package directions for al dente, watch the time. After about 6 minutes, add green beans to the pasta pot. The beans will cook along with pasta the last 2 or 3 minutes. Drain pasta and beans together in a colander then transfer hot pasta and beans to the pasta bowl with the pesto in the bottom. Toss pasta and beans with pesto for 2 to 3 minutes to combine and evenly coat the pasta and beans with the pesto sauce. Serve immediately.

ZUCCHINI WITH WALNUT PESTO



Zucchini with Walnut Pesto image

Provided by Molly Yeh

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Extra-virgin olive oil, for the skillet
2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, plus more for topping
1/2 cup fresh basil, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup fresh mint
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Pinch of crushed red pepper, plus more for garnish

Steps:

  • Heat a layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium high. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the zucchini in an even layer, avoiding overlapping in the skillet (you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding!). Season with salt and pepper. When the zucchini begins to brown on the bottom, about 5 minutes, flip over and allow to brown on the other side, about 4 minutes more. Remove from the skillet to the serving plate.
  • Meanwhile, make the pesto. Add the walnuts, basil, mint, Parmesan, vinegar and a pinch of crushed red pepper to the carafe of a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are combined but still chunky. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  • Drizzle the pesto on top of the zucchini. Top with additional Parmesan, fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes and serve!

CHEESE TORTELLINI WITH WALNUT-PARSLEY PESTO



Cheese Tortellini with Walnut-Parsley Pesto image

The best pesto.

Provided by Foodie

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Pesto Pasta Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup walnuts
½ cup olive oil
⅓ cup lightly packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 cloves garlic, smashed
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound fresh cheese tortellini
1 tablespoon salted butter

Steps:

  • Place walnuts, oil, parsley, 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender; pulse into a coarse puree.
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil; stir in tortellini and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini float to the top and the filling is hot, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain tortellini, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
  • Toss tortellini with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, walnut pesto, and butter. Add more of the cooking water if mixture seems dry. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and pass more at the table.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 836.6 calories, Carbohydrate 57.1 g, Cholesterol 61.1 mg, Fat 60.7 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 22.2 g, SaturatedFat 13.2 g, Sodium 812.2 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

TOMATO-WALNUT PESTO SPREAD



Tomato-Walnut Pesto Spread image

Whenever I bring this popular spread to parties, I know I'm going to get recipe requests. The red, green and white layers make it especially festive for Christmastime. -Marsha Dawson, Appleton, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 15m

Yield 2-1/3 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 tablespoons chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup prepared pesto
Assorted crackers

Steps:

  • Line a 4-cup mold with plastic wrap; coat with cooking spray. Place tomatoes in bottom of mold; set aside., In a large bowl, beat the cheeses, sour cream and butter until blended. In another bowl, combine walnuts and pesto. Spread cheese mixture over tomatoes in prepared mold; top with walnut mixture., Bring edges of plastic wrap together over pesto; press down gently to seal. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm. Open plastic wrap; invert mold onto a serving plate. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 129 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 137mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.

SALMON WITH QUICK PARSLEY WALNUT PESTO RECIPE BY TASTY



Salmon With Quick Parsley Walnut Pesto Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: salmon fillet, fresh parsley, walnuts, garlic, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, olive oil, lemon juice

Provided by Julie Klink

Categories     Lunch

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 salmon fillet
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup walnuts, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
pepper, to taste
¼ cup lemon juice, + 3 tablespoons
½ cup olive oil, + 2 tablespoons
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice

Steps:

  • Mix together parsley, walnuts, garlic, 3 tbsp lemon juice, olive oil, and pepper. Stir until fully incorporated. Set aside.
  • Mix together pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Rub filet of salmon with seasonings.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place salmon skin side down. Cook for 5 minutes. Flip salmon, then cook for another 5 minutes
  • Pour ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice over salmon. Cook for 3 more minutes until lemon juice has reduced. Remove salmon from heat.
  • Spread the parsley walnut mixture over salmon. Serve immediately.
  • Enjoy!

SPINACH, WALNUT AND GOLDEN RAISIN PESTO PASTA WITH ITALIAN CHICKEN SAUSAGE



Spinach, Walnut and Golden Raisin Pesto Pasta with Italian Chicken Sausage image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 chicken Italian sausage links
2 cloves garlic
1 pound farfalle pasta
1 cup toasted walnut halves
3 cups baby spinach
2 cups fresh basil
1 cup grated Pecorino-Romano or Parmesan
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup golden raisins
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more if needed
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more if needed
Zest and juice from 1 lemon

Steps:

  • Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the sausages, covered with a medium heatproof bowl, until nice and charred and no longer pink on the inside, flipping once, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool slightly, then slice on the bias. Set aside.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Poach the garlic cloves in the boiling water for 5 minutes, then transfer them with a slotted spoon to a food processor. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook to al dente according to the package directions.
  • Meanwhile, add the walnuts to the food processor with the garlic and pulse until chopped, about 8 times. Add the spinach, basil, cheese, olive oil, raisins, salt, pepper and lemon zest and juice. Pulse about 10 times, until combined but still rustically chopped. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Using a spider, add the pasta to the skillet. Add the spinach pesto and toss to combine. Heat until warmed through. Season to taste if necessary and serve immediately topped with grilled sausage slices.

TOMATO AND WALNUT PESTO



Tomato and Walnut Pesto image

This pesto is a little different, with a bold tomato base. Grill your tomatoes to bring out their sweetness and add smokiness. For this recipe, fusilli, linguine, spaghetti, pappardelle, or bucatini work best.

Provided by Hetty McKinnon

Categories     Tomato     Summer     Healthy     Quick & Easy     Quick and Healthy

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 lbs cherry or small tomatoes, halved
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup grated parmesan, plus more for serving
1 lb. pasta
Handful of basil leaves
Sea salt and black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the grill to high. Place the tomatoes on a large tray and drizzle over some olive oil. Season with a big pinch of sea salt. Grill the tomatoes for 6-8 minutes, until the tomatoes have blistered and released some liquid.
  • In a blender or food processor, whizz up the garlic, parsley, lemon zest and red chile flakes to a fine paste. Add the walnuts and half of the tomatoes, and with the motor running, pour in 1/3 cup of olive oil in a steady stream. When combined, stir in the parmesan and season with sea salt and a good turn of black pepper.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and add the pasta, stirring. Cook according to the packet instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.
  • Place the pasta in a large bowl and add the pesto along with a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking water. Keep adding the cooking liquid in small amounts until the sauce coats the pasta effortlessly. Scatter over the remaining grilled tomatoes and the basil leaves.
  • To serve, top bowls of pasta with a generous amount of parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice and a finishing drizzle of olive oil.

PARSLEY, LEMON, AND WALNUT PESTO ON ROASTED SWEET POTATOES



Parsley, Lemon, and Walnut Pesto on Roasted Sweet Potatoes image

When roasting sweet potatoes, leave the skins on for greater nutrition (and better texture). High heat muddies the fresh flavors of the herbs and lemon zest in pesto, so spoon it on just before serving.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Lunch Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch wedges
7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon chopped garlic (about 1 small clove)
1/2 cup raw walnuts, toasted
Grated zest of 1 lemon, plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning once, until golden and tender, 23 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  • Meanwhile, pulse parsley, garlic, walnuts, zest, and lemon juice in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Drizzle remaining 6 tablespoons oil and process until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Top roasted sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons pesto.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 431 g, Fat 33 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 120 g

SPAGHETTI WITH BROCCOLI AND WALNUT-RICOTTA PESTO



Spaghetti With Broccoli and Walnut-Ricotta Pesto image

This spaghetti sauce is a creamy, pungent walnut-thickened pesto that is thinned out with a small amount of cooking water from the pasta. Break up the broccoli florets so the flowers are quite small. They will absorb the sauce in the nicest way when you toss everything together.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 30m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 garlic clove, cut in half, green shoot removed
2 tablespoons shelled walnuts (about 3/4 ounce)
1 cup basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh ricotta
2 tablespoons warm water
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus additional for sprinkling (Pecorino can be substituted for some of the Parmesan)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon walnut oil
Salt to taste
1/2 pound broccoli crowns, broken into small florets
1 pound spaghetti
About 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (more to taste)

Steps:

  • Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop in the garlic. When it is chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, turn off and scrape down the bowl. Add the walnuts and basil and process to a paste. Add the ricotta, 2 tablespoons warm water, and Parmesan and pulse until well blended. Add the olive and walnut oils and process until smooth and homogenous. You can also make this in a mortar and pestle. Taste and add salt as desired. Transfer to a wide pasta bowl.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and boil 5 minutes. Add the broccoli and continue to boil until the pasta is al dente, about 4 more minutes. Before draining the pasta, remove 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add 1/4 cup of it to the ricotta mixture and stir until well blended. The sauce should have a creamy consistency (add more of the pasta water if necessary). Drain the spaghetti and broccoli and toss at once with the sauce. Serve, passing Parmesan or Pecorino on the side.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 414, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 368 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

SPAGHETTI WITH WALNUT SAGE PESTO



Spaghetti with Walnut Sage Pesto image

Categories     Pasta     Quick & Easy     Parmesan     Walnut     Fall     Sage     Parsley     Gourmet

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb dried spaghetti
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 to 4 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup walnuts, toasted and cooled
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (3/4 oz) plus additional for serving
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook spaghetti in a 6-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
  • While pasta is boiling, blend parsley, sage, and garlic with salt in a food processor until finely chopped. Add walnuts and pulse until finely chopped. With motor running, add oil in a steady stream. Turn off motor, then add 1/3 cup cheese and pepper and pulse to combine.
  • Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander. Thin pesto with reserved cooking water in a serving bowl, then add pasta and toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

FUSILLI WITH SPINACH AND WALNUT PESTO



Fusilli with Spinach and Walnut Pesto image

The ridges in spiral-cut fusilli are ideal for catching this fresh green sauce, made from spinach and walnuts instead of basil and pine nuts.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 bunch spinach (about 1 pound), trimmed and washed
3/4 cup walnuts, toasted
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound fusilli
1/4 cup shaved pecorino cheese (1 ounce), for serving

Steps:

  • Add spinach and 1 tablespoon water to a large skillet set over medium-high. Cook, stirring constantly, until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. In a food processor, combine spinach, walnuts, oil, and lemon zest. Process until mixture forms a smooth paste, scraping down bowl as needed. Season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 2 cups pasta water; drain pasta. Return pasta to pot and add pesto, tossing to combine and adding enough pasta water to create a sauce that coats pasta. Transfer to a serving plate, top with pecorino, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 461 g, Fat 18 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 16 g

GRILLED SHRIMP WITH WALNUT PESTO



Grilled Shrimp with Walnut Pesto image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Time 25m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup walnut halves
Grated zest and juice of 1 large lemon
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
5 scallions, thinly sliced
1 cup packed fresh basil
1/2 cup packed fresh parsley
2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails intact
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Kosher salt
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Mixed greens, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat a grill to high. Soak six 10-inch wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the pesto: Pulse the walnuts, lemon zest and juice, olive oil and a pinch of salt in a food processor until the walnuts are in small pieces. Pulse in the scallions, basil and parsley until fairly smooth. With the machine on, drizzle in 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water to loosen. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt.
  • Make the shrimp: Thread the shrimp through the tail and top end onto the prepared skewers so they lie flat. Brush with the vegetable oil and season on both sides with salt and the red pepper flakes. Grill the shrimp on the hottest part of the grill until marked, 3 to 4 minutes; flip and grill until cooked through, 2 to 3 more minutes. Remove from the grill and drizzle with the red wine vinegar. Remove the shrimp from the skewers, if desired, and serve over mixed greens. Drizzle with some of the pesto and serve the remaining pesto on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 339, Fat 23 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Cholesterol 243 milligrams, Sodium 423 milligrams, Carbohydrate 3 grams, Fiber 1 grams, Protein 32 grams, Sugar 1 grams

SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATO AND WALNUT PESTO



Spaghetti with Tomato and Walnut Pesto image

Basil is a mere garnish in this nutty, cheesy, peak-season pesto sauce.

Provided by Andy Baraghani

Categories     Bon Appétit     Pasta     Tomato     Walnut     Dinner     Parmesan     Cheese     Basil     Anchovy     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2/3 cup walnuts
2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt
6 oil-packed anchovies, coarsely chopped
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 ounce Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces spaghetti
1/2 cup (packed) basil leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until slightly darkened, 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
  • Heat broiler. Toss tomatoes with 2 Tbsp. oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt. Broil, tossing once, until tomatoes are blistered and have released some of their liquid, 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
  • Pulse anchovies, garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 oz. Parmesan in a food processor until finely ground. Add walnuts and half of tomatoes, then, with motor running, stream in 1/3 cup oil; process just until combined. Season with salt. Transfer pesto to a large bowl and stir in black pepper.
  • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid.
  • Transfer pasta to bowl with pesto and add a splash of pasta cooking liquid. Toss, adding more cooking liquid as needed, until sauce coats pasta. Add basil and remaining tomatoes.
  • Divide among bowls; top with more Parmesan and black pepper and drizzle with oil.
  • Do Ahead
  • Pesto can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Tips:

  • Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. If you can't find fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but it will not have as much flavor.
  • Toast the walnuts before using them in the pesto. This will bring out their flavor and make them more fragrant.
  • Use a good quality olive oil. The olive oil is a key ingredient in pesto, so make sure you use one that you like the taste of.
  • Add a little Parmesan cheese to the pesto for a richer flavor.
  • Use pesto as a sauce for pasta, pizza, or grilled vegetables.
  • Pesto can also be used as a marinade for chicken or fish.
  • Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion:

Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious pesto that will add flavor to your favorite meals.

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