Basil Walnut Pesto: So Fresh & Easy!
Whip up this incredibly fresh and easy basil pesto with walnuts, garlic, and a touch of lemon for a vibrant, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces fresh basil (about 2 cups packed leaves)
- ¼ cup walnut halves or pieces
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups basil, ¼ cup walnuts, 1 smashed garlic clove, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and ¼ cup olive oil in a food processor.
- Pulse ingredients until coarsely chopped, about 10-15 pulses.
- With the motor running on low, slowly stream in the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over 30 seconds.
- Continue blending until the pesto is creamy and well combined, about 1 minute.
- Taste and season with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, starting with ¼ teaspoon of each.
- Blend briefly for 10 seconds more to incorporate seasonings.
Notes
- Use fresh, vibrant basil leaves for the best flavor and color.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.