Basil Walnut Pesto
As we age, it’s important to pay attention to the foods we eat and make sure we’re getting the nutrients we need to stay healthy and active. This recipe for Basil Walnut Pesto is a delicious and easy way to incorporate the healthful benefits of nuts and herbs into your diet. With its bright and refreshing flavor, this pesto is perfect for adding to pasta, spreading on bread, or using as a marinade for meats and vegetables. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch of basil, leaves only; washed and dried (about 1/2 – 2/3 cup, packed)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 1 handful of walnuts
- olive oil as needed (3-5 tablespoons or more)
- 1/4 parmesan cheese (or to taste)
- Cooked pasta, for serving
Directions
- Chop basil in food processor with a few splashes of olive oil. Use a spatula to wipe down the sides as needed.
- Add walnuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and pulse until smooth.
- Add olive oil until creamy but not oily. Serve with warm pasta.
Substitutions
- Pesto is a forgiving recipe – you can experiment with different greens (arugala or spinach) and different nuts (pine nuts, almonds, cashews).
