Basic Basil Pesto

Name: Basic Basil Pesto
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, (2-3 bunches); 1/4 cup walnut pieces, toasted (see Tip); ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons water; 1 large clove garlic, quartered; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Rating: 4.45 stars

11 Ratings
11 Reviews

Simplicity reigns in this traditional sauce--just basil, garlic, cheese and olive oil. Our one modification? We like omega-3-laden walnuts in the mix for their crunch and delicate flavor, but pine nuts, almonds, pecans or even pistachios may be substituted for the walnuts.

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Recipe Summary

total:

20 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Nutrition Info

Ingredients

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, (2-3 bunches)
1/4 cup walnut pieces, toasted (see Tip)
¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons water
1 large clove garlic, quartered
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

Step 1

Place basil, walnuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, oil, water, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse a few times, then process until fairly smooth, or to the desired consistency, scraping down the sides occasionally.

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Tips

Tip: To toast walnuts: Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned, 7 to 9 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons

Per Serving:

82 calories; 8 g total fat; 1.1 g saturated fat; 2 mg cholesterol; 180 mg sodium. 77 mg potassium; 1.3 g carbohydrates; 0.6 g fiber; 2 g protein; 954 IU vitamin a iu; 3 mg vitamin c; 13 mcg folate; 50 mg calcium; 1 mg iron; 19 mg magnesium;

Exchanges:

2 fat

Reviews (11)

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11 Ratings

5 star values: 8
4 star values: 1
3 star values: 1
2 star values: 1
1 star values: 0

Reviews: Most Helpful

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Penny Calla

07/07/2018

you can eliminate the salt since cheese is being added. Cheese always adds salt to any recipe so salt should be reduced or eliminated. We eliminate it Read More

EatingWell User

09/24/2013

THIS is a Traditional HIGH FAT PESTO! BEWARE THIS IS NOT LOWFAT AS EATING WELL LISTS! Very disappointed this is considered Eating Well and also labeled as LOWFAT!! OUTRAGEOUS! Per serving there are 83 calories and 72 calories of this is FAT! Which makes it 86% FAT! This was the second recipe listed when I searched lowfat Pesto and as you can see it is NOT LOWFAT. Otherwise the recipe is a traditional Pesto and I'm am sure very good. Cons: HIGH FAT- 86% FAT by calories 72 of the 83 calories are FAT Read More

EatingWell User

09/12/2012

Good but salty - will try again with pine nuts and less salt! Read More

syoung712

07/14/2012

I had an abundance of basil that I had grown and this was the perfect way to use it. This was easy flavorful and healthier than many recipes I had come across for pesto. I used half the salt per other suggestions but otherwise followed the recipe. I plan to toss it with whole wheat linguini and some diced tomatoes for lunch. I'll definitely make it again! Read More

EatingWell User

10/30/2011

good but I'd say half the salt... Read More

EatingWell User

10/30/2011

I was pleasantly surprised by this recipe. It tasted very fresh. I did substitute pecans for the walnuts as I didn't have any. Read More

EatingWell User

10/30/2011

I was pleasantly surprised by this recipe. It tasted very fresh. I did substitute pecans for the walnuts as I didn't have any. I actually did a blog post about this if you'd like to see it... Basic Basil Pesto Post Read More

Paula Burnette

10/30/2011

I cannot even TELL you how many times i have used this recipe. EATINGWELL.COM is go to site for healthier and better recipes! Love you guys thanks! paula burnette Read More

EatingWell User

10/30/2011

Easy and delicious. Did not have fresh garlic so subsitiuted with garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon) and it was still great. Used it as spread on a roasted vegetable panini - yum. Read More

EatingWell User

10/29/2011

I loved this. It's delicious and a reasonable amount of calories without less flavor. I'd half the salt and after you mix it see if you want more though just FYI (the cheese is salty.) Read More

sjeter77

10/29/2011

Perfect with Pine Nuts Awesome recipe. I used pine nuts instead because I am a fan of traditional pesto. Thanks so much for this recipe. I topped angel hair pasta and chicken with the pesto which was perfect. Dinner was yummy! Pros: Tasty Healthy Easy to make Cons: None Read More

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you can eliminate the salt since cheese is being added. Cheese always adds salt to any recipe so salt should be reduced or eliminated. We eliminate it

Good but salty - will try again with pine nuts and less salt!

good but I'd say half the salt...

I was pleasantly surprised by this recipe. It tasted very fresh. I did substitute pecans for the walnuts as I didn't have any.

I cannot even TELL you how many times i have used this recipe. EATINGWELL.COM is go to site for healthier and better recipes! Love you guys thanks! paula burnette

Easy and delicious. Did not have fresh garlic so subsitiuted with garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon) and it was still great. Used it as spread on a roasted vegetable panini - yum.

I loved this. It's delicious and a reasonable amount of calories without less flavor. I'd half the salt and after you mix it see if you want more though just FYI (the cheese is salty.)

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Basic Basil Pesto

Ingredients

Directions

Tips

Nutrition Facts

Reviews (11)

All Reviews for Basic Basil Pesto