Basil Walnut Pesto Recipe - Easy Italian Sauce

Basil Walnut Pesto — a italian recipe (condiments and sauces) with 8 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

15

Total Time (min)

8

servings

218

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Basil Walnut Pesto Recipe - Easy Italian Sauce

Ingredients

Servings:
8
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
  • 1 cup walnuts (lightly toasted)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 1 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all the ingredients and measure them out.

    Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
  2. Toast Walnuts

    In a skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

    Keep stirring to prevent burning.
  3. Blend Ingredients

    In a food processor, combine basil, walnuts, Parmesan, and garlic.

    Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  4. Add Olive Oil

    With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth.

    Adjust the oil for your desired consistency.
  5. Season the Pesto

    Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, then blend again until combined.

    Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Sugar-Conscious, Low Potassium, Kidney-Friendly, Keto-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian. Diet: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your italian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Garlic bread
🍽️Caesar salad
🍽️Roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Basil Walnut Pesto Recipe - Easy Italian Sauce is a beloved dish from Italian cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 15 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on simple, quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Each region of Italy has its own distinct culinary traditions, passed down through generations.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 8 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pine nuts or almonds can be used as alternatives.

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Nutrition Facts

8 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories150kcal
Total Fat14gg
Sodium150mgmg
Total Carbohydrates5gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars0gg
Protein4gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineItalian
Meal TypeSnack