Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto
Experience the vibrant, fresh flavors of Italian cuisine with our **Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto**, a wholesome twist on the traditional recipe! This easy, no-cook pesto features nutrient-packed raw walnuts in place of pine nuts for a hearty dose of heart-friendly omega-3s. Combined with aromatic fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, creamy Parmesan, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, this recipe delivers bold taste with a lighter, healthier balance. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for drizzling over whole-grain pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a dip for veggies. Plus, with a touch of garlic and freshly ground black pepper, every bite bursts with irresistible flavor. Discover how quick and versatile heart-healthy eating can be!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Start by rinsing the basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
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.
In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, and peeled garlic cloves.
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they are finely chopped, but avoid over-processing into a paste at this stage.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper to the food processor.
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.
Stop the processor to scrape down the sides as needed, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.
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
Calories |
1736 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 176.1 g | 226% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.2 g | 151% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 1503 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.1 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 34.9 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 772 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 548 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
