Walnut and Parsley Pesto

Name: Walnut and Parsley Pesto
Ingredients: 4 cloves garlic, sliced; 1 large pinch kosher salt, plus more to taste; 0.5 cup chopped raw walnuts; 0.5 cup chopped Italian parsley; Juice from one lemon; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; water, if needed

4.6

(8)

7 Reviews

4 Photos

I hope this walnut and parsley version serves as a reminder that 'pesto' is not a recipe, but a technique. The buttery walnuts temper the fire of the mashed garlic and pair beautifully with the aromatic, bittersweet parsley. Use on toasted bread, pizza or pasta, or on roasted chicken--it's that versatile!

Recipe by Chef John

Updated on June 19, 2020

4

Servings:

8

Yield:

1 cup

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 large pinch kosher salt, plus more to taste
½ cup chopped raw walnuts
½ cup chopped Italian parsley
Juice from one lemon
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
water, if needed

Directions

Place garlic and salt in a mortar; smash and mash with the pestle until it becomes a paste, 5 to 8 minutes. Add walnuts; mash walnuts into a paste until you reach your desired texture (coarse or smoother), another 5 to 8 minutes. Add parsley and mash to break up and blend with the walnut/garlic mixture, about 4 minutes. Add lemon juice and olive oil; stir, mash, and emulsify liquids into the mixture until it becomes very thick and well blended, 8 to 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. If mixture seems too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water, or as needed.
Spread on bread, use on pizza or pasta, or on roasted chicken. The taste is just like garlic butter, so use it as such.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

85	Calories
8g	Fat
2g	Carbs
1g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 85
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g	11%
Saturated Fat 1g	5%
Sodium 78mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate 2g	1%
Dietary Fiber 1g	3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 9mg	46%
Calcium 16mg	1%
Iron 1mg	3%
Potassium 69mg	1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.