--- title: "Basil Walnut Pesto Recipe" url: https://www.whiskaffair.com/basil-walnut-pesto-recipe/ date: 2025-02-18 modified: 2025-11-25 lang: en author: "Neha Mathur" description: "Learn to make the best homemade Basil Walnut Pesto in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. This versatile Italian sauce can be used to make pasta, pizza, chicken, fish, or veggies." categories: - "Italian" - "Sauces" image: https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Basil-Walnut-Pesto-2-3.jpg word_count: 1417 --- # Basil Walnut Pesto Recipe Learn to make the best homemade **Basil Walnut Pesto** in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. This versatile Italian sauce can be used to make pasta, pizza, chicken, fish, or veggies. Do try my other pesto recipes: [Avocado Basil Pesto](https://www.whiskaffair.com/avocado-pesto/), [Sun Dried Tomato Pesto](https://www.whiskaffair.com/sun-dried-tomato-pesto-recipe/). ![Basil walnut pesto served in a bowl.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Basil-Walnut-Pesto-2-1-1200x1800.jpg) ★★★★★ "Awesome recipe. Followed the recipe and it turned out wonderfully. Had 6 batches, and I froze most of them in small containers topped off with olive oil. Thank you for sharing the recipe." **- **Steve [VIEW MORE REVIEWS](https://www.whiskaffair.com/basil-walnut-pesto-recipe/#comments) ## Why You'll Love This Family Favorite Recipe! - Bright, fresh, and bursting with classic basil flavor. - Walnuts give a richer, earthier taste compared to pine nuts, and they’re budget-friendly. - Ready in just 10 minutes with zero cooking. - Versatile, perfect for pasta, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and dips. - **Unique Value:** My recipe balances the flavor of basil with a touch of lemon and just the right amount of garlic, creating a smoother, more rounded pesto that doesn’t turn bitter. ## Table of Contents - Why You'll Love This Family Favorite Recipe!- About Basil Walnut Pesto- Ingredients- How To Make Basil and Walnut Pesto- Walnut Basil Pesto FAQs- Pro Tips By Neha- Usage Ideas- Storage Suggestions- Other Sauce Recipes We Recommend- Basil Walnut Pesto Recipe Recipe I love gardening and almost always have a few pots of herbs growing in my backyard. Basil is abundant in the summer months, and I use it to make various recipes. Fresh pesto is the most popular in my home, as it is super easy to make and very versatile. This time, I twisted the traditional pesto recipe by replacing pine nuts with walnuts, and the taste was still delicious. Do try this recipe! ## About Basil Walnut Pesto **Basil Walnut Pesto** is a variation of the classic Italian pesto sauce. It comes together in **under 10 minutes with simple ingredients** like fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, walnuts, and extra-virgin olive oil. Basil and walnut pesto is very fragrant and has a **nutty, slightly sweet flavor.** The **main difference** between basil and walnut pesto and classic basil pesto is the type of nuts used. Traditional pesto recipes use pine nuts, while basil and walnut pesto recipes use walnuts instead. Walnut basil pesto is also generally lighter in color than classic pesto. This **versatile **sauce can be used in many ways. So waste no time and make yourself a batch. This homemade basil walnut pesto recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. My recipe yields approximately 1 cup of pesto. You can easily **double or triple the recipe.** ## Ingredients **Basil Leaves** make the base of this summery sauce. This is best made using sweet basil (Italian basil). Use fresh leaves that are free of cuts and bruises. I like to grow my own basil, but if not, I try to get it from the farmers' market because it's the freshest and most organic. You can also get it from your local grocery store. **Walnuts** - Ensure they are not bitter before using them in the recipe. Walnuts are prone to turning bitter if stored for a long time. The best way to store walnuts is in the refrigerator. **Others** - You will also need fresh garlic, salt, pepper, freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and extra-virgin olive oil to make this basil and walnut pesto recipe. The best cheese to make pesto is Parmigiano Reggiano. Make sure to freshly grate the cheese for the best flavor. Lemon juice can be replaced with lime juice. ## How To Make Basil and Walnut Pesto ### Preparation Pick the Italian basil leaves from the stems and discard the stems. Now, fill a large bowl with water and add the basil leaves. Swish the leaves vigorously to dislodge the dust or any chemicals clinging to them. Leave the leaves undisturbed for 30-40 seconds for the dust to settle. Now, gently remove the leaves from the top of the bowl and add them to a salad spinner. Spin until the leaves are dry. If you get rinsed leaves, skip this process. ### Make The Pesto Sauce **Step 1:** Add the following ingredients to the small food processor jar. - 2 cups of fresh Italian basil leaves (packed, rinsed, and dried) - 1/4 cup walnuts - 2 garlic cloves (peeled) - 1/4 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ![All the ingredients except some olive oil added to a food processor.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Basil-Walnut-Pesto-Step-1.jpg) **Step 2: **Blend until a finely chopped mixture forms. ![Chopped mixture formed.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Basil-Walnut-Pesto-Step-2.jpg) **Step 3:** While the food processor is running, drizzle in the remaining olive oil in a steady stream until a slightly coarse sauce forms. Add more olive oil if needed to reach the desired consistency. Scrape the sides of the jar a few times while blending. Taste-test the salt and add more if required. Pesto is ready to use! ![Drizzling olive oil from the spout.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Basil-Walnut-Pesto-Step-3.jpg) ![Ready basil walnut pesto.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Basil-Walnut-Pesto-Step-4.jpg) ## Walnut Basil Pesto FAQs **Can I use other nuts in the basil and walnut pesto recipe?** Yes, you can use other types of nuts in pesto. Some other common options include almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, and pistachios. **What else can be added to walnut basil pesto?** Seeds like flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, hemp seeds, etc. Greens like baby spinach, arugula, carrot greens, and kale. Lemon zest. Red pepper flakes. Other cheeses include Pecorino Romano, aged cheddar, aged Asiago, and aged Manchego. **Can I use other herbs in homemade basil pesto?** Yes, you can use other fresh herbs instead of basil to make this delicious sauce. Some other common options include cilantro, Italian parsley, and mint. **How do I make vegan basil and walnut pesto?** Skip adding parmesan cheese or replace it with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to make a vegan pesto recipe. ## Pro Tips By Neha Use the **best quality ingredients** to make this green sauce. **Never** make basil pesto sauce in a high-speed blender or a mixie. It will become paste-like. The pesto should have a slightly coarse texture. In the **olden days**, people made it in a mortar and pestle or finely chopped the ingredients with a sharp knife. **Toast** the walnuts lightly and use roasted garlic for a more complex flavor. To make a spicy version of this delicious pesto, add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeño, or other chilies. ## Usage Ideas - Add it to your favorite pasta dishes or zucchini noodles - Use it as a dipping sauce - Spread it on sandwiches or wraps - Mix it into salads - Add it to soup or chili - Use it as a pizza topping - Make pesto chicken or fish - Drizzle over roasted vegetables. ## Storage Suggestions Fresh basil walnut pesto can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a **week.** To keep the pesto's bright green color intact, cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil. You can also **freeze** the homemade pesto sauce for longer storage. When freezing, place the leftover pesto in silicone ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Then, transfer the pesto cubes to Ziploc bags or a freezer bag. I always like to make a **large batch** and freeze it. To use, **thaw** the pesto in the fridge and then add it to your dish. ## Other Sauce Recipes We Recommend [![Basil Mint Pesto is a flavorful take on the classic pesto with fresh mint leaves added to it. Make this versatile sauce in under 5 minutes using simple ingredients (vegetarian, gluten-free).](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Basil-Mint-Pesto-2-3-600x800.jpg)](https://www.whiskaffair.com/basil-mint-pesto-recipe/)Sauces ### Basil Mint Pesto Recipe [![This Benihana's Copycat Hibachi Mustard Sauce comes together in just 15 minutes using 6 simple ingredients. Try it at home using my easy recipe.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Hibachi-Mustard-Sauce-2-3-600x800.jpg)](https://www.whiskaffair.com/hibachi-mustard-sauce-recipe/)Sauces ### Hibachi Mustard Sauce (Benihana Copycat) [![Sun-dried tomato pesto served in a bowl.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Sun-Dried-Tomato-Pesto-2-3-600x800.jpg)](https://www.whiskaffair.com/sun-dried-tomato-pesto-recipe/)Sauces ### Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Recipe (Pesto Rosso) [![This homemade Yum Yum Sauce tastes just like your favorite Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse. It is tangy, sweet, and savory and comes together in just 5 minutes.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Yum-Yum-Sauce-2-3-600x800.jpg)](https://www.whiskaffair.com/yum-yum-sauce-recipe/)Sauces ### Yum Yum Sauce (Hibachi Sauce) ![Basil walnut pesto served in a bowl.](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Basil-Walnut-Pesto-2-3-150x150.jpg) [ Print Recipe](https://www.whiskaffair.com/wprm_print/basil-walnut-pesto-recipe) - 4.75 from 16 votes ## Basil Walnut Pesto Recipe Learn to make the best homemade **Basil And Walnut Pesto** in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. Use this versatile Italian sauce to make pasta, pizza, chicken, fish, or veggies. Prep Time5 minutes minsCook Time5 minutes minsTotal Time10 minutes mins Course: SauceCuisine: ItalianDiet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian Servings: 1 cup Calories: 133kcal Author: [Neha Mathur](https://www.whiskaffair.com/about-me/) ### Ingredients 2 cups fresh Italian basil leaves packed, rinsed and dried- ¼ cup walnuts- 2 garlic cloves peeled- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil divided, plus more if neededUS Customary - Metric ### Instructions - Add basil leaves, walnuts, garlic, salt, black pepper, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil to the jar of a small food processor.- Blend until a finely chopped mixture forms.- While the food processor is running, drizzle in the remaining olive oil until a slightly coarse sauce is formed. Add more olive oil as needed for the desired consistency.- Scrape the sides of the jar a few times while blending.- Taste-test the salt and add more if required.- Pesto is ready to use immediately; otherwise, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You may want to cover with a thin layer of olive oil or plastic wrap to prevent oxidation. ### Video ### Notes Make sure the walnuts are not bitter before using them in the recipe. Walnuts are prone to turning bitter if stored for a long time. Never make pesto in a blender or a mixie. It will become paste-like. The correct texture of the pesto is slightly coarse.  Toast the walnuts lightly and use roasted garlic for a more complex flavor. To make a spicy version of pesto, add red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeno pepper, or any other chilies. ### Nutrition Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 268mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 460IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 1mg