This easy walnut pesto recipe is made with just 5 ingredients for a flavorful sauce! Stirred into greek yogurt, on its own, mixed with some lemon juice or a cream sauce this easy walnut pesto is delicious!
Last week my auntie had a party while hanging out in her backyard I saw her overflowing basil plant, naturally I asked if I could clip some! 🙂 She let me take as much as I wanted. There truly is nothing like the smell of fresh basil. Simply delicious. I knew I wanted to make pesto. While I love my Classic Basil Pesto recipe I knew I wanted to experiment with walnuts. I have walnuts almost every morning so I always have a good supply on hand.
What nuts can be used in pesto?
Lots of nuts. While most often people use pine nuts other nuts are swapped in. Most often I see recipes calling for pine nuts, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and pecans.
Can you put walnuts in pesto?
Totally this recipe uses walnuts, I love the flavor and taste of walnuts so for me this is a win-win.
What can you use instead of basil in pesto?
Lots of people make spinach pesto or kale pesto.
How do you make walnut pesto?
In a food processor or powerful blender add the parmesan and walnuts. I always grate my parmesan fresh, so much more flavorful. This is my favorite cheese grater and it comes with a container that fits on the bottom for easy storage and grating.
Mix the nuts and cheese for 30 seconds-1 minute, or until the walnuts are blended into very small pieces. Add in basil leaves and garlic. Mix until fully combined.
The pesto will be very thick if using a food processor with the mixture on low drizzle in the olive oil if using a blender just add it. You may want more or a little less olive oil depending on how chunky you like your pesto.
Can you freeze pesto?
Of course, I often freeze it in small containers so I can have a fresh batch for dinner any day. Once you have made your pesto store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze in ice cube tray or mini containers for future use. Using an ice tray is also a great way to store the pesto. Just an FYI If the pesto sits out it will darken in color.
Recipes to use this walnut pesto in?
★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!
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Print Easy Walnut Pesto Recipe
This easy walnut pesto recipe is made with just 5 ingredients for a flavorful sauce! Stirred into greek yogurt, on its own, mixed with some lemon juice or a cream sauce this easy walnut pesto is delicious!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12oz 1x
Ingredients
- 1- 1.5oz Freshly Grated Parmesan
- 3.5oz Walnuts (mine were roasted, either way, works)
- 3.5oz Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 5oz Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- In a food processor or powerful blender add the parmesan and walnuts. Mix for 30 seconds-1 minute, or until the walnuts are blended into very small pieces. Add in basil leaves and garlic. Mix until fully combined.
- The pesto will be very thick if using a food processor with the mixture on low drizzle in the olive oil if using a blender just add it. You may want more or a little less olive oil depending on how chunky you like your pesto. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze in ice cube tray or mini containers for future use.
Notes
*Basil Pine Nut Pesto Recipe Here
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Process
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: walnut pesto recipe, how to make walnut pesto, easy walnut pesto recipe
kat says
yummmm!!! cant wait to make it
★★★★★
Elizabeth says
Thanks Kat! You will love it !
Albert Bevia says
I also eat walnuts almost every morning too with my greek yogurt so I know I will love this pesto! lucky you your auntie has such a huge basil plant!
Elizabeth says
Walnuts are the best!! Thanks for stopping by Albert 🙂