Basil Walnut Pesto

Basil Walnut Pesto

8 servings
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!

Ingredients

  • fresh basil leaves

    packed

    2 c
  • fresh parsley)

    packed (see note 1

    1 c
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese

    about 1 ounce

    ¼ c
  • walnuts)

    about 1 ounce (see note 2

    ¼ c
  • garlic)

    (see note 3

    3 cloves
  • olive oil
    ½ c
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    In a food processor or blender, add basil, parsley, Parmesan cheese, walnuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped, about 10 pulses.

  2. 2

    With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and process until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Basil Walnut Pesto

Basil Walnut Pesto

10 min8 servings161 cal

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About this Recipe

Tired of lackluster store-bought pesto or pricey pine nuts? This Basil Walnut Pesto recipe lets you capture the vibrant taste of summer in just 10 minutes, using readily available ingredients.

Why This Pesto Works

This recipe shines by swapping expensive pine nuts for budget-friendly walnuts, delivering a wonderfully rich, earthy flavor without compromising texture. It's an incredibly quick and easy way to transform a bumper crop of basil into a versatile sauce, perfect for enjoying fresh or preserving for later. You'll love how simple it is to achieve authentic, robust flavor.

What to Expect

Prepare for a burst of fresh, herbaceous goodness that tastes like sunshine in a bowl. This Basil Walnut Pesto is brilliantly green, with a delightful balance of sweet basil, a bright kick from fresh parsley, a sharp tang from Parmesan cheese, and a lovely nutty depth from the walnuts. The fresh garlic provides a warm background note, all brought together by a silky olive oil emulsion. Each serving offers a satisfyingly rich flavor, making it a perfect addition to countless dishes.

Customization & Variations

  • Nut Swaps: If walnuts aren't your preference, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds, keeping in mind they will alter the flavor profile. While pine nuts are traditional, this recipe proves they aren't essential.
  • Herb Blend: The recipe calls for a mix of basil and parsley, which helps to mellow the basil's intensity and add freshness. You can adjust the ratio, or even use all basil if you prefer a bolder basil flavor. Just ensure you still have a total of 2 packed cups of herbs.
  • Garlic Level: The three cloves of garlic provide a good kick, but you can easily adjust this to your taste. For a milder pesto, use one or two cloves; for a more intense flavor, add an extra clove.

Serving & Context

This versatile Basil Walnut Pesto is fantastic tossed with pasta, spread on sandwiches or bruschetta, swirled into scrambled eggs, or drizzled over grilled vegetables. It elevates simple meals and makes for an impressive topping, suitable for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Frequently Asked Questions