Pesto with Walnuts
Ready-made pesto is your shortcut to a delicious dinner! Just cook some pasta and toss it with the pesto for a quick and flavorful meal. It's real food with Italian flair that takes minimal effort.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 fresh garlic cloves , roughly chopped
- 2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves You can substitute kale or spinach for the basil.
- ⅓ cup lightly toasted walnuts , cashews, pine nuts, pecans, or almonds
- ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese , finely grated You use Parmesan cheese or Grana Padano instead.
- 1-½ cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoons kosher salt , adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground Black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the basil leaves well, dry thoroughly, and coarsely chop. In a food processor, combine the walnuts, garlic, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Process until the mixture is smooth. Add the basil and process until blended. With the machine running, gradually add the extra virgin olive oil.
- Transfer the pesto sauce to a medium bowl— taste and adjust with salt if needed. The sauce is ready to use now, or it may be refrigerated for later use.
Notes
How to Store & Freeze
Pesto sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it fresh, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and cover it with a layer of olive oil. This will prevent the basil from oxidizing.
How to Freeze
Pesto can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months. You can also freeze the pesto in an ice cube tray, with each cube serving one person. To defrost, place the frozen pesto cubes in a bowl and microwave on low power for 1 minute, stirring with a spatula halfway through the time.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Pesto with Walnuts
Amount per Serving
Calories
224
% Daily Value*
Fat
24
g
37
%
Saturated Fat
4
g
25
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
15
g
Cholesterol
4
mg
1
%
Sodium
246
mg
11
%
Potassium
61
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
1
g
0
%
Fiber
0.3
g
1
%
Sugar
0.3
g
0
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
367
IU
7
%
Vitamin C
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
87
mg
9
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
