Best 2 Easy Walnut Basil Pesto Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, pesto stands out as a vibrant and versatile sauce, capturing the essence of freshness and flavor. Originating from the enchanting region of Liguria in Italy, pesto has captivated taste buds worldwide with its aromatic symphony of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. This versatile sauce has become a culinary chameleon, adapting effortlessly to a myriad of dishes, from classic pasta creations to grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Our culinary journey takes us through a delectable selection of pesto recipes, each showcasing the boundless versatility of this vibrant sauce. We begin with a classic Walnut Basil Pesto, a harmonious blend of walnuts, basil, garlic, and olive oil, offering a rich and nutty undertone to your favorite dishes. Next, we venture into culinary innovation with our Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, where sun-kissed tomatoes infuse a burst of tangy sweetness to the traditional pesto symphony.

Those seeking a vegan delight will find solace in our Vegan Spinach Pesto, a vibrant concoction of spinach, basil, garlic, and olive oil, bringing a verdant hue and a subtly earthy flavor to your culinary creations. For those with a penchant for spice, our Spicy Arugula Pesto ignites the palate with a fiery kick, thanks to the addition of piquant arugula and red pepper flakes.

For those who appreciate the delicate touch of herbs, our Herbacious Parsley Walnut Pesto offers a refreshing twist, featuring a medley of parsley, walnuts, garlic, and olive oil, lending a vibrant green hue and a subtly nutty flavor to your culinary masterpieces. Finally, we conclude our pesto expedition with our Roasted Red Pepper Walnut Pesto, a smoky and aromatic rendition, where roasted red peppers add a touch of smokiness and a vibrant red hue to the classic pesto formula.

With this diverse collection of pesto recipes, we invite you to embark on a culinary adventure, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary flavor experiences. Let your taste buds dance with delight as you explore the boundless possibilities of this versatile sauce.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

WALNUT PESTO



Walnut Pesto image

A cheaper alternative to pesto made with pine nuts. You can use raw or toasted walnuts. Some people like to add Parmesan cheese to this as well!

Provided by teachhope03

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 cups basil leaves
½ cup walnuts
¼ cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Blend basil, walnuts, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice together in a food processor until pesto has a paste-like consistency.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 455.3 calories, Carbohydrate 6.9 g, Fat 47.3 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 6.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.4 g, Sodium 2.9 mg, Sugar 1.1 g

BASIL-WALNUT PESTO



Basil-Walnut Pesto image

This is my favorite pesto recipe; rich but healthy due to "good" fats from olive oil and walnuts. It comes from "The Omega Diet." I usually freeze half the recipe for future use.

Provided by dahlia

Categories     Spreads

Time 12m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups packed basil leaves (approx. 2 oz)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons softened butter (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Steps:

  • Place basil, olive oil, walnuts, garlic and salt (if using) in food processor.
  • Blend until thoroughly combined.
  • Add Parmesan and butter (if using) and blend 5-10 seconds more.
  • Just before serving, add 2 Tbsp of hot pasta water from cooked pasta.
  • Serve over pasta with bread and salad.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your pesto. Use fresh basil, walnuts, and garlic for the best results.
  • Toast your walnuts: Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and makes them more fragrant. You can toast walnuts in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes.
  • Use a food processor or blender: A food processor or blender is the easiest way to make pesto. Just add all of the ingredients to the food processor or blender and pulse until smooth.
  • Season to taste: Once you've made your pesto, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
  • Use pesto immediately or store it for later: Pesto can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze pesto for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Walnut basil pesto is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's great on pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and salads. It can also be used as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables. With its bright, herbaceous flavor and creamy texture, walnut basil pesto is a delicious and easy way to add flavor to your meals.

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