MENU

Special Diet Information

Coumadin® (Warfarin)
This recipe is NOT safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.

Lactose
This recipe contains cheese and some of those who are lactose intolerant may be able to tolerate it.

Sodium
This is a low sodium recipe.

GERD / Acid Reflux
This recipe contains GERD triggers and those with GERD may wish to avoid it.

Gluten Sensitivity
This recipe is safe for those who are sensitive to gluten.

 

"The pesto and angel hair are warm in the bowl on my lap, the fragrances of olive oil and basil blending the exotic and familiar, equal parts sunny Tuscan hillside and hometown dirt. A meal like this makes you want to live forever, if only for the scent of warm pesto in January." -Michael Perry

The refrigerator light goes on...

Traditionally basil pesto calls for pine nuts. However, they can be a bit difficult to find at times and expensive. Using an alternative nut works great and walnuts are a perfect choice. They are similar to pine nuts and are a bit sweet but also are creamy when blended.

One key to making your pesto blend easily is to put the liquid ingredients in the bottom of the blender first. The liquid blends into a puree first and then the remaining ingredients are pulled downward and blend easier.

 

Basil Pesto with Walnuts

Servings : 6 | Serving size: 2 Tablespoons

Cooking Time: 20 Minutes

This recipe can easily be multiplied and freezes fairly well. Refrigerated, this recipe keeps about 3 - 4 days tightly sealed.

Basil Pesto with Walnuts recipe from Dr. Gourmet

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp water
  • lemon juice from 1/2 lemon
  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 Tbsp walnuts, chopped
  • 4 cups fresh basil
  • 4 Tbsp Parmigiano-Reggiano (grated)
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Place the water, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, walnuts, basil, parmesan and salt in a blender or mini chopper.

Puree until smooth.

If pesto is too thick, add water 1 Tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 2 Tablespoons

Servings: 6

Amount Per Serving

Calories 106 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value
Total Fat 10g 13%
    Saturated Fat 2g 9%
    Monounsaturated Fat 6g
    Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 3mg 1%
Sodium 147mg 6%
Total Carbohydrates 2g 1%
    Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
    Sugars 0g
Protein 3g
Vitamin K 71mcg