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!

Easy Walnut Pesto Recipe served in a small bowl with a gold spoon in on a marble surface

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 (affiliate link) 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.

Easy Walnut Pesto Recipe ingredients all laid out on a white surface

Easy Walnut Pesto Recipe first step of the recipe, walnuts and cheese being blended together in a small food processor

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.

Easy Walnut Pesto Recipe walnuts and cheese being blended in a small food processor

Easy Walnut Pesto Recipe being made with fresh basil leaves in food processor

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.

Easy Walnut Pesto Recipe being made in a food processor with the lid off

Easy Walnut Pesto Recipe made and stored in a small square plastic container

Easy Walnut Pesto Recipe stored in a small plastic container ready to be frozen

Recipes to use this walnut pesto in?

Please let me know if you make this easy walnut pesto recipe by leaving a rating and review below!

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