If you love pesto but want to try something a little different, walnut pesto is a great choice. It swaps out the usual pine nuts for walnuts, giving it a richer and slightly earthier flavor. Walnut pesto is easy to make and adds a tasty twist to pasta, sandwiches, or salads.
This post may contain affiliate links.
You can use fresh basil or get creative by mixing in other herbs to suit your taste. It’s also a nice option if you want a pesto that’s a bit more affordable since walnuts often cost less than pine nuts.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or guests, walnut pesto can brighten up your meals with a new and simple flavor. You’ll find it works well as a sauce, spread, or dip.
Related Recipe: How to Make Creamy Broccoli Pesto – Quick & Flavorful
How to Make Walnut Pesto
Making walnut pesto is simple and quick. You start by gathering a few fresh ingredients. Then, you blend them carefully to get the right taste and texture. Finally, a couple of tips will help you get the perfect smoothness.
Essential Ingredients
You will need walnuts, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Use about 1 cup of walnuts. Fresh basil leaves should be about 2 cups lightly packed. Grate around ½ cup of Parmesan cheese for flavor.
Use 1-2 garlic cloves, depending on how strong you like it. Olive oil should be about ½ cup to help blend everything. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the taste and keep the color fresh.
Salt and pepper are optional but recommended. Use a pinch of each to taste once you start mixing the ingredients.
Related Recipe: Quick & Delicious Creamy Avocado Pesto
Walnut Pesto
Ingredients:
- 1 cup walnuts (toasted for extra flavor, optional)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool. In a food processor, combine the walnuts, basil leaves, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, and pulse until coarsely chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Adjust the olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using, and pulse a few more times to mix. Use the pesto immediately tossed with pasta, spread on bread, or as a dip. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Related Recipe: Easy Pesto Recipe from Fresh Basil
Best Tips for Perfect Texture
Use fresh ingredients for the best taste and texture. Toasting walnuts enhances flavor but avoid burning them.
Don’t over-blend. Pulse in short bursts to keep some texture and prevent the pesto from turning into a paste. If you like it smooth, blend longer but watch closely.
Chill the pesto for 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors mix and the sauce thicken slightly. Store leftovers in a sealed container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it fresh.
Creative Uses for Walnut Pesto
You can use walnut pesto in many tasty ways beyond just mixing it with pasta. It adds flavor and texture to grains, sandwiches, and even as a marinade or dip.
Pasta and Grain Dishes
Walnut pesto works great tossed with pasta like spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. The creamy texture clings well to noodles, giving each bite a rich, nutty flavor. Try adding some sautéed vegetables or grilled chicken to make it a fuller meal.
You can also stir walnut pesto into cooked grains such as quinoa, rice, or farro. This makes a quick and healthy side dish. Add fresh herbs or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Sandwiches and Spreads
Spread walnut pesto on bread or wraps to make your sandwiches more exciting. It pairs well with turkey, chicken, or roasted vegetables. You could also use it instead of mayo or mustard for a fresh twist.
Try mixing walnut pesto with cream cheese or yogurt. This creates a delicious spread for crackers, bagels, or veggie sticks. It’s a simple way to add taste without extra effort.
As a Marinade or Dip
Use walnut pesto as a marinade for meats like chicken or pork. Coat the meat and let it sit for 30 minutes to a few hours before cooking. The nuts and herbs help tenderize and add flavor.
You can also serve walnut pesto as a dip. It works well with raw vegetables, breadsticks, or chips. If you want, add a little olive oil or lemon juice to thin it out for easier dipping.
Follow my pesto recipes board on Pinterest.