Lime Walnut Pesto

How are you keeping? This COVID-19 social distancing is not easy, but connecting with others remotely is comforting and still powerful. Nevertheless, I am excited to share my newest Lime Walnut Pesto recipe. I was inspired to make this homemade pesto because of my very robust-growing basil plant. Additionally, I was craving pesto to mix with my garlic shrimp for a risotto topping (click here for risotto recipes.) This special risotto with pesto shrimp was a creation for my “Social Distancing Dinner Party” on the Dietetic Directions Instagram.

For those unfamiliar, each Friday during our social distancing, I am hosting a virtual dinner party with a special theme. The response has been amazing! All you need to do is tag Dietetic Directions Instagram, and I will share your themed meals with our vibrant community on our 24-hour stories for all to see. It’s like we are dining together, which makes dinners more connected and inspiring.

Thank you for participating so far in our Shrimp Theme, Pizza Party, and this Friday is Mexican Fiesta! Stay tuned for next week’s Social Distancing Dinner party, too. I’ll be releasing a new theme mid-week. Now, let’s get to the recipe!

Lime Walnut Pesto Recipe

• Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of fresh basil, packed
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup walnuts seeds, unsalted
• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 lime, squeezed
• Pinch Kosher salt to taste

Optional: I added 2 tbsp water (to thin pesto slightly)

Lime Walnut Pesto Directions:

1. Remove basil leaves from plant and place into a measuring cup. Pack leaves in the measuring cup and transfer to your food processor.
2. Add oil, walnuts, parmesan cheese, garlic and fresh lime juice to food processor. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Next, Pulse until smooth. Add water if desired to smooth/thin consistency.
4. Taste and add salt and lime (or lemon) juice to your preference.
5. Enjoy this Lime Walnut Pesto on protein, flatbreads, pastas, grain salads and more!

Now it’s your turn! How are you connecting with loved ones? Would you like to partake in the next online dinner party? Any theme requests?

Lime Walnut Pesto

Yield: ~ 1 cup

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

A zesty Lime Walnut Pesto to add to your pizzas, risottos or protein options.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups of fresh basil, packed
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup walnuts seeds, unsalted
• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 lime, squeezed
• Pinch Kosher salt to taste
• Optional: I added 2 tbsp water (to thin pesto slightly)

Instructions

1. Remove basil leaves from plant and place into a measuring cup. Pack leaves in the measuring cup and transfer to your food processor.
2. Add oil, walnuts , parmesan cheese, garlic and fresh lime juice to food processor. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Pulse until smooth. Add water if desired to smooth/thin consistency.
4. Taste and add salt and lime (or lemon) juice to your preference.
5. Enjoy this Lime Walnut Pesto on protein, flatbreads, pastas, grain salads and more!