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5 from 3 votes

Basil Walnut Pesto

An easy homemade Basil Walnut Pesto that is simple and flavorful. This vegan pesto recipe can be used as a pesto sauce for pasta, in your sandwiches, add it to a salad or use it as a dip with your favorite vegetables!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Shweta

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups loosely packed basil leaves
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2-3 tablespoons water, as needed

Instructions

  • For toasting your walnuts on the stove top: In a skillet, toast on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until a nutty aroma has released, while tossing occasionally (careful not to burn them, they brown quickly).
  • Add the walnuts to the food processor until slightly crumbled. Add the basil, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and sea salt. Blend until it becomes a paste consistency. Scrape the sides and gradually add the olive oil until pesto becomes like a sauce.
  • Pesto should have some texture to it and is not completely smooth. If you prefer your pesto to have more liquid or be smoother, add 2-3 tablespoons of water (1 tablespoon at a time) until you reach your preferred consistency.
  • Taste test and adjust seasonings according to your preference. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week with a layer of olive oil on top. Or freeze up to 6 months.

Notes

Storage:
  • Keep refrigerated with a thin layer of olive oil over the pesto for up to one week.
  • For freezing the pesto, fill the pesto in silicone ice cube trays then remove and place them in a container or reusable ziplock bag for up to 6 months. 

Nutrition Info

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 956IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg
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