Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto

Brighten up your meals with this Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto, a nutritious twist on the beloved Italian sauce. This vibrant recipe swaps traditional pine nuts for toasted raw walnuts, packing a boost of heart-healthy omega-3s without sacrificing flavor. Fragrant fresh basil, a touch of zesty lemon juice, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil create a creamy, full-bodied sauce that’s both delicious and wholesome. Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-cook pesto is the perfect companion for pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a flavorful spread. Easy to make and customizable to your taste, it's a simple way to elevate any dish while staying mindful of your heart health.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cups Raw unsalted walnuts
• 0.25 cups Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 units Fresh garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Start by rinsing the basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Step 2

In a small skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the walnuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and golden. Allow them to cool slightly.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, and peeled garlic cloves.

Step 4

Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they are finely chopped, but avoid over-processing into a paste at this stage.

Step 5

Add the lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper to the food processor.

Step 6

With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil and then the water through the top opening until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.

Step 7

Stop the processor to scrape down the sides as needed, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 8

Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.

Step 9

Transfer the heart-healthy basil pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. This pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	344.2 grams (344.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1736

Total Fat 176.10g	226%
Saturated Fat 30.20g	151%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 48mg	16%
Sodium 1503mg	65%
Total Carbohydrate 18.10g	7%
Dietary Fiber 5.90g	21%
Total Sugars 2.80g
Protein 34.90g	70%

Vitamin D 24IU	119%
Calcium 772mg	59%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 548mg	12%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 88.2%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 4.0%