**Walnut Pesto: A Unique and Flavorful Twist on the Classic**
Pesto, a vibrant and aromatic sauce, has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Originating from the Liguria region of Italy, this versatile sauce has become a staple in many kitchens, adding a burst of flavor to various dishes. While traditional pesto recipes typically incorporate basil as the primary herb, this article presents a delightful twist—the walnut pesto. This unique variation introduces a nutty richness and a subtle complexity that elevates any culinary creation.
Discover a collection of carefully curated walnut pesto recipes, each offering a distinct flavor profile to tantalize your taste buds. From the classic walnut pesto, featuring a harmonious blend of walnuts, basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, to the roasted red pepper walnut pesto, which adds a smoky sweetness, these recipes cater to diverse culinary preferences. Additionally, explore the sun-dried tomato walnut pesto, a vibrant and tangy variation, and the arugula walnut pesto, which introduces a peppery zest.
These walnut pesto recipes are not only culinary delights but also versatile accompaniments that can transform ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences. Use them as a flavorful spread on sandwiches and wraps, a vibrant dressing for salads, or a savory sauce for grilled meats and vegetables. With their rich and complex flavors, these walnut pesto recipes promise to elevate your cooking and create memorable meals that will impress your family and friends.
EASY WALNUT BASIL PESTO
Simple walnut pesto you can make in your food processor.
Provided by Jasa
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Pulse walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic in a food processor until walnuts are finely chopped. Add basil leaves a little at a time, pulsing until a smooth paste forms. Mix in Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 102.9 calories, Carbohydrate 1.4 g, Cholesterol 2.2 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 38.9 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
WALNUT PESTO
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
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
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
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.
SPINACH WALNUT PESTO
This flavorful pesto is easy to make and will transform your meal into a 5-star dish. It's great served with linguine pasta. Add 1/3 to 1/2 cup pesto each pound of pasta.
Provided by Shan
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place spinach, Parmesan cheese, parsley, walnuts, water, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor; blend until well combined. Pour in oil slowly, while processor is running, until mixture forms a smooth paste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 442.8 calories, Carbohydrate 4.6 g, Cholesterol 17.6 mg, Fat 43.4 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.3 g, Sodium 460.7 mg, Sugar 0.7 g
BASIL WALNUT PESTO
Fresh basil and parsley, garlic, and parmesan cheese make delicious classic pesto for an easy summer dinner.
Provided by Oster® Versa®
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Oster® Versa® Brand
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine walnuts and garlic in Oster® Versa® Performance Blender; PULSE on HIGH 2 to 3 times to chop finely.
- Add remaining ingredients; select programmed DIP/SALSA setting.
- If necessary PULSE on HIGH 5 to 6 times to combine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 153.8 calories, Carbohydrate 1.7 g, Cholesterol 1.8 mg, Fat 15.8 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 74.7 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
ARUGULA AND WALNUT PESTO
The strong, meaty flavor of the walnuts balances out the astringency of the arugula, a good blend of flavors.
Provided by Mercy
Categories Sauces
Time 15m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Brown 6 garlic cloves with their peels on in a skillet over medium high heat until the garlic is lightly browned in places, about 10 minutes. Remove the garlic from the pan, cool, and remove the skins.
- Toast the nuts in a pan over medium heat until lightly brown, or heat in a microwave on high heat for a minute or two until you get that roasted flavor. In our microwave it takes 2 minutes.
- Combine the arugula, walnuts, roasted and raw garlic into a food processor. Pulse while drizzling the olive oil into the processor. Remove the mixture from the processor and put it into a bowl. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Because the pesto is so dependent on the individual ingredients, and the strength of the ingredients depends on the season or variety, test it and add more of the ingredients to taste.
- Mix with freshly prepared pasta of your choice. You may need to add a little bit of water or more olive oil to mix the pesto more evenly with the pasta.
- Makes enough pesto sauce for an ample serving of pasta for four people.
SPINACH, WALNUT AND GOLDEN RAISIN PESTO PASTA WITH ITALIAN CHICKEN SAUSAGE
Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the sausages, covered with a medium heatproof bowl, until nice and charred and no longer pink on the inside, flipping once, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool slightly, then slice on the bias. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Poach the garlic cloves in the boiling water for 5 minutes, then transfer them with a slotted spoon to a food processor. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook to al dente according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, add the walnuts to the food processor with the garlic and pulse until chopped, about 8 times. Add the spinach, basil, cheese, olive oil, raisins, salt, pepper and lemon zest and juice. Pulse about 10 times, until combined but still rustically chopped. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Using a spider, add the pasta to the skillet. Add the spinach pesto and toss to combine. Heat until warmed through. Season to taste if necessary and serve immediately topped with grilled sausage slices.
BASIL WALNUT PESTO
Categories Condiment/Spread Herb Quick & Easy
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Pulse together basil and walnuts in a food processor (I used my mini one for this batch - easy clean up - but feel free to double the recipe if you're in need of a bigger batch). Add garlic and olive oil. Pulse again. Add cheese, lemon juice and salt and pepper. Pulse until just blended. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula and pulse a few more times. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator. Add more olive oil before serving, if taken straight from the fridge.
PENNE WITH ARUGULA AND WALNUT PESTO
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 27m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat cook garlic in oil 5 minutes, then remove pan from stove top. Fill the food processor with arugula, loosely packed. Add walnuts and 1/2 of the warm oil and both cloves of garlic to the arugula in the processor. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper to the processor bowl, set lid in place and pulse grind the mixture into a thick paste. Add any remaining arugula to the processor and grind into the paste by pulsing the processor again. Transfer arugula paste to a large pasta bowl. Stir in the remaining oil and the cheese. Taste pesto sauce and adjust seasonings.
- While cooking penne to package directions for al dente, watch the time. After about 6 minutes, add green beans to the pasta pot. The beans will cook along with pasta the last 2 or 3 minutes. Drain pasta and beans together in a colander then transfer hot pasta and beans to the pasta bowl with the pesto in the bottom. Toss pasta and beans with pesto for 2 to 3 minutes to combine and evenly coat the pasta and beans with the pesto sauce. Serve immediately.
PARSLEY, LEMON, AND WALNUT PESTO ON ROASTED SWEET POTATOES
When roasting sweet potatoes, leave the skins on for greater nutrition (and better texture). High heat muddies the fresh flavors of the herbs and lemon zest in pesto, so spoon it on just before serving.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Lunch Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning once, until golden and tender, 23 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, pulse parsley, garlic, walnuts, zest, and lemon juice in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Drizzle remaining 6 tablespoons oil and process until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top roasted sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons pesto.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 431 g, Fat 33 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 120 g
ZUCCHINI WITH WALNUT PESTO
Provided by Molly Yeh
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat a layer of olive oil in a skillet over medium high. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the zucchini in an even layer, avoiding overlapping in the skillet (you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding!). Season with salt and pepper. When the zucchini begins to brown on the bottom, about 5 minutes, flip over and allow to brown on the other side, about 4 minutes more. Remove from the skillet to the serving plate.
- Meanwhile, make the pesto. Add the walnuts, basil, mint, Parmesan, vinegar and a pinch of crushed red pepper to the carafe of a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are combined but still chunky. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Drizzle the pesto on top of the zucchini. Top with additional Parmesan, fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes and serve!
BEET SOUP WITH GREENS, APPLE SALAD AND CILANTRO-WALNUT PESTO
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories lunch, project, soups and stews, main course
Time 2h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- To make the soup, place beets and broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender, about 1 hour. Drain, reserving broth. When cool enough to handle, slip skins off beets. Set aside 2 beets. Place half of the remaining beets in a food processor. Measure broth and add enough water, if necessary, to make 9 cups. Add half of broth to beets and puree until smooth. Repeat with remaining beets and broth. Combine batches and stir in salt and pepper. Reheat before serving and stir in lemon juice and more salt, if needed.
- To make the beet greens, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beet greens and saute for 10 minutes. Add 1/3 cup of water, cover and cook until tender, about 10 minutes more. Coarsely grate the reserved beets and stir into the greens with 1 1/2 teaspoons of oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, pepper and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring often, until caramelized, about 15 minutes. Stir in the apple, walnut oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Place the cilantro, walnuts and 1/2 cup of olive oil in a food processor and process until smooth. Add3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
- Place the beet green mixture, the apple mixture, the pesto and the sour cream in separate bowls. Ladle the soup into bowls. Serve, passing the condiments separately.
CHEESE TORTELLINI WITH WALNUT-PARSLEY PESTO
The best pesto.
Provided by Foodie
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Pesto Pasta Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place walnuts, oil, parsley, 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender; pulse into a coarse puree.
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil; stir in tortellini and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini float to the top and the filling is hot, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain tortellini, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
- Toss tortellini with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, walnut pesto, and butter. Add more of the cooking water if mixture seems dry. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and pass more at the table.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 836.6 calories, Carbohydrate 57.1 g, Cholesterol 61.1 mg, Fat 60.7 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 22.2 g, SaturatedFat 13.2 g, Sodium 812.2 mg, Sugar 3.7 g
TOMATO AND WALNUT PESTO
This pesto is a little different, with a bold tomato base. Grill your tomatoes to bring out their sweetness and add smokiness. For this recipe, fusilli, linguine, spaghetti, pappardelle, or bucatini work best.
Provided by Hetty McKinnon
Categories Tomato Summer Healthy Quick & Easy Quick and Healthy
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Heat the grill to high. Place the tomatoes on a large tray and drizzle over some olive oil. Season with a big pinch of sea salt. Grill the tomatoes for 6-8 minutes, until the tomatoes have blistered and released some liquid.
- In a blender or food processor, whizz up the garlic, parsley, lemon zest and red chile flakes to a fine paste. Add the walnuts and half of the tomatoes, and with the motor running, pour in 1/3 cup of olive oil in a steady stream. When combined, stir in the parmesan and season with sea salt and a good turn of black pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and add the pasta, stirring. Cook according to the packet instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2cup of the pasta cooking water and drain the pasta.
- Place the pasta in a large bowl and add the pesto along with a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking water. Keep adding the cooking liquid in small amounts until the sauce coats the pasta effortlessly. Scatter over the remaining grilled tomatoes and the basil leaves.
- To serve, top bowls of pasta with a generous amount of parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice and a finishing drizzle of olive oil.
SPAGHETTI WITH BROCCOLI AND WALNUT-RICOTTA PESTO
This spaghetti sauce is a creamy, pungent walnut-thickened pesto that is thinned out with a small amount of cooking water from the pasta. Break up the broccoli florets so the flowers are quite small. They will absorb the sauce in the nicest way when you toss everything together.
Provided by Martha Rose Shulman
Categories dinner, main course
Time 30m
Yield Serves 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Turn on a food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop in the garlic. When it is chopped and adhering to the sides of the bowl, turn off and scrape down the bowl. Add the walnuts and basil and process to a paste. Add the ricotta, 2 tablespoons warm water, and Parmesan and pulse until well blended. Add the olive and walnut oils and process until smooth and homogenous. You can also make this in a mortar and pestle. Taste and add salt as desired. Transfer to a wide pasta bowl.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and boil 5 minutes. Add the broccoli and continue to boil until the pasta is al dente, about 4 more minutes. Before draining the pasta, remove 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Add 1/4 cup of it to the ricotta mixture and stir until well blended. The sauce should have a creamy consistency (add more of the pasta water if necessary). Drain the spaghetti and broccoli and toss at once with the sauce. Serve, passing Parmesan or Pecorino on the side.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 414, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 368 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
SALMON WITH QUICK PARSLEY WALNUT PESTO RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: salmon fillet, fresh parsley, walnuts, garlic, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, olive oil, lemon juice
Provided by Julie Klink
Categories Lunch
Yield 1 serving
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Mix together parsley, walnuts, garlic, 3 tbsp lemon juice, olive oil, and pepper. Stir until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Mix together pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Rub filet of salmon with seasonings.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place salmon skin side down. Cook for 5 minutes. Flip salmon, then cook for another 5 minutes
- Pour ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice over salmon. Cook for 3 more minutes until lemon juice has reduced. Remove salmon from heat.
- Spread the parsley walnut mixture over salmon. Serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
TOMATO-WALNUT PESTO SPREAD
Whenever I bring this popular spread to parties, I know I'm going to get recipe requests. The red, green and white layers make it especially festive for Christmastime. -Marsha Dawson, Appleton, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Appetizers
Time 15m
Yield 2-1/3 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Line a 4-cup mold with plastic wrap; coat with cooking spray. Place tomatoes in bottom of mold; set aside., In a large bowl, beat the cheeses, sour cream and butter until blended. In another bowl, combine walnuts and pesto. Spread cheese mixture over tomatoes in prepared mold; top with walnut mixture., Bring edges of plastic wrap together over pesto; press down gently to seal. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm. Open plastic wrap; invert mold onto a serving plate. Serve with crackers.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 129 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 137mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.
FUSILLI WITH SPINACH AND WALNUT PESTO
The ridges in spiral-cut fusilli are ideal for catching this fresh green sauce, made from spinach and walnuts instead of basil and pine nuts.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Add spinach and 1 tablespoon water to a large skillet set over medium-high. Cook, stirring constantly, until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. In a food processor, combine spinach, walnuts, oil, and lemon zest. Process until mixture forms a smooth paste, scraping down bowl as needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 2 cups pasta water; drain pasta. Return pasta to pot and add pesto, tossing to combine and adding enough pasta water to create a sauce that coats pasta. Transfer to a serving plate, top with pecorino, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 461 g, Fat 18 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 16 g
SPAGHETTI WITH WALNUT SAGE PESTO
Steps:
- Cook spaghetti in a 6-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
- While pasta is boiling, blend parsley, sage, and garlic with salt in a food processor until finely chopped. Add walnuts and pulse until finely chopped. With motor running, add oil in a steady stream. Turn off motor, then add 1/3 cup cheese and pepper and pulse to combine.
- Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander. Thin pesto with reserved cooking water in a serving bowl, then add pasta and toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.
SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATO AND WALNUT PESTO
Basil is a mere garnish in this nutty, cheesy, peak-season pesto sauce.
Provided by Andy Baraghani
Categories Bon Appétit Pasta Tomato Walnut Dinner Parmesan Cheese Basil Anchovy Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until slightly darkened, 8-10 minutes. Let cool.
- Heat broiler. Toss tomatoes with 2 Tbsp. oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt. Broil, tossing once, until tomatoes are blistered and have released some of their liquid, 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
- Pulse anchovies, garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 oz. Parmesan in a food processor until finely ground. Add walnuts and half of tomatoes, then, with motor running, stream in 1/3 cup oil; process just until combined. Season with salt. Transfer pesto to a large bowl and stir in black pepper.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid.
- Transfer pasta to bowl with pesto and add a splash of pasta cooking liquid. Toss, adding more cooking liquid as needed, until sauce coats pasta. Add basil and remaining tomatoes.
- Divide among bowls; top with more Parmesan and black pepper and drizzle with oil.
- Do Ahead
- Pesto can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your pesto.
- Toast the walnuts before using them. This will bring out their flavor and make them more fragrant.
- Use a food processor or blender to make the pesto. This will help you get a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Add water or olive oil to adjust the consistency of the pesto. You want it to be thick enough to coat the pasta, but not so thick that it's difficult to stir.
- Season the pesto to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings until you're happy with the flavor.
Conclusion:
Walnut pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's perfect for pasta, pizza, vegetables, and even as a spread for sandwiches or crackers. With its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture, walnut pesto is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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