Basic Basil Pesto

(6)

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.

3755930.jpg
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
1 cup

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

  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.

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.

Related Articles