Name: Basic Basil Pesto
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, (2-3 bunches); 1/4 cup walnut pieces, toasted (see Tip); 0.25 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons water; 1 large clove garlic, quartered; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Basic Basil Pesto

4.8

(6)

6 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.

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Updated on August 16, 2019

Cook Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

Servings:

Yield:

1 cup

Nutrition Profile:

Gluten-Free Low Added Sugars Low Carbohydrate Vegetarian

Jump to Nutrition Facts

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

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.

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 (per serving)

82	Calories
8g	Fat
1g	Carbs
2g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 82
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1g	2%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 2g	4%
Total Fat 8g	10%
Saturated Fat 1g	6%
Cholesterol 2mg	1%
Vitamin A 954IU	19%
Vitamin C 3mg	4%
Folate 13mcg	3%
Sodium 180mg	8%
Calcium 50mg	4%
Iron 1mg	4%
Magnesium 19mg	5%
Potassium 77mg	2%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.