Walnut Pesto

This Walnut Pesto recipe is high in unsaturated fats and a source of protein, fibre and magnesium. Also, walnuts may help with cognition, heart health, reproductive health and blood sugar control. Plus, this zingy sauce has only simple ingredients – basil, olive oil, walnuts, parmesan, garlic, lemon and Kosher salt. Lastly, my Walnut Pesto recipe is ideal to use as pasta sauce or as a protein or pizza topper.

My Walnut Pesto recipe uses all simple ingredients.

This Walnut Pesto recipe is a flavour-packed sauce that’s easy to prepare. What I love about pesto is you can use your leftover herbs or even substitute spinach for basil to cut down on food waste. Additionally, I used walnuts instead of the traditional pine nuts. 

Ingredients for Walnut Pesto 

All you’ll need for this easy and yummy sauce recipe is here:

• Basil
• Olive oil
• Walnuts
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic 
• Lemon 
• Kosher Salt 

See recipe card below for quantities.

The vibrant colour and the flavour of the garlic will be a sauce the whole family will love. 

How to Make Walnut Pesto

Walnut Pesto recipe is simple and packed with flavour. Sure to be a new favourite recipe!

See the recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Need More Pesto Recipes? 

Equipment

All you need is a food processor or high-quality blender for this pesto sauce. Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle. 

Storage and Leftovers

You can store pesto in a mason jar in the fridge for up to a week. Additionally, you can store pesto in ice cube trays, then freeze for adding to soups or sauces later. Pesto freezes for up to 2 – 3 months. 

What to Serve with Walnut Pesto?  

Try adding your homemade pesto to pasta, pizzas, eggs, couscous/quinoa salads, or on top of meats/fish. You can also mix pesto into salad dressings or dips like hummus or serve on your bruschetta. Recently, this fall, I tried making a Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Pesto, Chicken and Feta. It was delicious!

The Walnut Pesto was tasty in my Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Chicken & Feta.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of fresh basil, packed
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup walnuts, unsalted
• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• ½ to 1 squeezed lemon, to your taste
• Pinch of Kosher salt to taste

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

Walnut Pesto Recipe Directions:

1. Firstly, remove basil leaves from plant and place into a measuring cup. Pack leaves in the measuring cup and transfer to your food processor.
2. Secondly, add oil, walnuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice to blender or food processor. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Then, pulse until smooth. Add water if desired to smooth/thin consistency.
4. Finally, taste and add salt or lemon juice to your preference.

So what about you? Have you tried making homemade pesto? Additionally, what is your favourite way to include it with your meals? Let me know in the comments!

Walnut Pesto

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Walnut Pesto recipe has simple ingredients and tastes great!

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Ingredients

• 3 cups of fresh basil, packed
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup walnuts, unsalted
• 1 tbsp parmesan cheese
• 2-3 cloves garlic
• ½ to 1 lemon, squeezed (taste to adjust to your taste)
• Pinch Kosher salt to taste
• Optional: I added 2 tbsp water (to thin pesto slightly)

Instructions

1. Firstly, remove basil leaves from plant and place into a measuring cup. Pack leaves in the measuring cup and transfer to your food processor.

2. Secondly, add oil, walnuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice to blender or food processor. Add a pinch of salt.

3. Pulse until smooth. Add water if desired to smooth/thin consistency.

4. Taste and add salt or lemon juice to your preference.