Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto
Brighten up your meals with this Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto, a nutritious twist on the beloved Italian sauce. This vibrant recipe swaps traditional pine nuts for toasted raw walnuts, packing a boost of heart-healthy omega-3s without sacrificing flavor. Fragrant fresh basil, a touch of zesty lemon juice, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil create a creamy, full-bodied sauce that’s both delicious and wholesome. Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-cook pesto is the perfect companion for pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a flavorful spread. Easy to make and customizable to your taste, it's a simple way to elevate any dish while staying mindful of your heart health.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Raw unsalted walnuts
- 0.25 cups Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 units Fresh garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Start by rinsing the basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Step 2
In a small skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the walnuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and golden. Allow them to cool slightly.
Step 3
In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, and peeled garlic cloves.
Step 4
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they are finely chopped, but avoid over-processing into a paste at this stage.
Step 5
Add the lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper to the food processor.
Step 6
With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil and then the water through the top opening until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7
Stop the processor to scrape down the sides as needed, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 8
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.
Step 9
Transfer the heart-healthy basil pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. This pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (344.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1736.2 |
| Total Fat 176.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 30.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 47.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1502.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 18.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.8g | |
| Protein 34.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 23.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 772.0mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 547.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories