This simple walnut pesto is as easy as putting all the ingredients (minus the olive oil) into your food processor, blending and then adding in the olive oil.
One of our favourite kitchen aromatics is the earthy, sweet with a hint of licorice scent of basil. One whiff of this garden herb and we're immediately transferred to summer Caprese salads expertly layered cheesy lasagnas and large slices of Margherita pizzas; excuse us while we wipe the drool from our mouths. But seriously, how hasn't a basil-infused candle taken over the food scene as a must-have accessory for your kitchen?
During the summer months, we grow our own bushels of basil on our condo balcony and during the winter months buy a big bouquet of basil from a vegetable vendor at St. Lawrence Market. After we've sorted through the bouquet for the most photogenic stalks, we use the remaining basil for pesto, walnut pesto specifically.
Traditionally, pesto is made with basil, garlic, parmesan and pine nuts. However pine nuts don't come cheap and no matter how many coupons we use from Bulk Barn, it's still expensive. Instead, we've remixed the traditional and swapped walnuts in instead of pine nuts making our 2 Steppin' Walnut Pesto just as delicious as it is accessible.
Made in big batches in our KitchenAid Food Processor, this simple walnut pesto is as easy as putting all the ingredients (minus the olive oil) into your food processor, blending and then stirring in the olive oil. Now, the hard part is deciding what not to put it on. Read on for our recipe and our favourite ways to use this Walnut Pesto.
Avocado Toast tossed in Walnut Pesto
Who doesn't love avocado toast?! We've taken this trendy recipe and enhanced it by tossing avocado cubes in walnut pesto before loading it up on your toast. Not only does this add a million times more flavour, but coats the avocado helping it stay fresh without turning brown. The additional fat and nutrients from the walnuts helps you stay fuller even longer than traditional avocado toast and guarantees you to have the best day ever. Top with cherry tomatoes, radish greens and serve.
Walnut Pesto Pasta
Easy, cheap, convenient - the perfect recipe for working late and coming home to whip up a super quick dinner. Cook your favourite pasta whether it be traditional linguine or spiralled zucchini, warm in a skillet with olive oil, top with a dollop of pesto and toss. Serve with warm and additional walnuts for texture. Get the recipe for out Walnut Pesto Carbonara.
Pizza with Walnut Pesto
While we adore pizza with tomato sauce, a simple white pizza is elegant and the definition of less is more. Using a whole wheat crust, we smeared pesto over the base, topped with buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, wild mushrooms and baked. Once removed from the oven, we splashed (literally Jackson Pollock style) big spoons of pesto across the pie. Serve an additional bowl on the side to dip your crust in and bon appetit.
Chef Sous Chef
Simple Walnut Pesto
Ingredients
- ½ cup walnuts
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 cups fresh basil
- ½ small lemon juiced
- ½ cup grated parmigiana reggiano
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- No. 1 | In a small food processor or blender, pulse the walnuts and chopped garlic together 3-4 times until combined. Add the basil and pulse again. Finally, add the lemon juice and parmesan and pulse once more then scrape it into a bowl.
- No. 2 | Stir in the olive oil then season with the salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as preferred.
Video
Jackie F says
This walnut pesto has become a staple in our house. We use it mostly on pasta and pizza and even our 3 year old loves it!
Chef Sous Chef says
Wow, the ultimate compliment! Thanks for sharing your experience Jackie.