Name: Basic Basil Pesto
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, (2-3 bunches); 1/4 cup walnut pieces, toasted (see Tip); ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons water; 1 large clove garlic, quartered; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Simplicity reigns in this traditional sauce--just basil, garlic, cheese and olive oil. Our one modification? We like omega-3-laden walnuts in the mix for their crunch and delicate flavor, but pine nuts, almonds, pecans or even pistachios may be substituted for the walnuts.

Basic Basil Pesto

basil leaves, (2-3 bunches)

walnut pieces, toasted (see Tip)

Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

olive oil

water

garlic,

salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Place basil, walnuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano, oil, water, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse a few times, then process until fairly smooth, or to the desired consistency, scraping down the sides occasionally.


I had an abundance of basil that I had grown and this was the perfect way to use it. This was easy flavorful and healthier than many recipes I had come across for pesto. I used half the salt per other suggestions but otherwise followed the recipe. I plan to toss it with whole wheat linguini and some diced tomatoes for lunch. I'll definitely make it again!

Good but salty - will try again with pine nuts and less salt!

Perfect with Pine Nuts Awesome recipe. I used pine nuts instead because I am a fan of traditional pesto. Thanks so much for this recipe. I topped angel hair pasta and chicken with the pesto which was perfect. Dinner was yummy! Pros: Tasty Healthy Easy to make Cons: None

Easy and delicious. Did not have fresh garlic so subsitiuted with garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon) and it was still great. Used it as spread on a roasted vegetable panini - yum.

I loved this. It's delicious and a reasonable amount of calories without less flavor. I'd half the salt and after you mix it see if you want more though just FYI (the cheese is salty.)

you can eliminate the salt since cheese is being added. Cheese always adds salt to any recipe so salt should be reduced or eliminated. We eliminate it

I cannot even TELL you how many times i have used this recipe. EATINGWELL.COM is go to site for healthier and better recipes! Love you guys thanks! paula burnette

THIS is a Traditional HIGH FAT PESTO! BEWARE THIS IS NOT LOWFAT AS EATING WELL LISTS! Very disappointed this is considered Eating Well and also labeled as LOWFAT!! OUTRAGEOUS! Per serving there are 83 calories and 72 calories of this is FAT! Which makes it 86% FAT! This was the second recipe listed when I searched lowfat Pesto and as you can see it is NOT LOWFAT. Otherwise the recipe is a traditional Pesto and I'm am sure very good. Cons: HIGH FAT- 86% FAT by calories 72 of the 83 calories are FAT

Basic Basil Pesto

Total: 20 minutes

Author : EatingWell Test Kitchen

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Instructions

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