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Pesto is a delicious sauce to use on your grilled chicken, in your pasta, or even on your pizza. In this post we’ll walk through how to make a simple basil pesto, as well as a few substitutions you can easily make if you don’t have all the ingredients you need. Ready? Let’s get started!

Traditionally, pesto is made with a mortar and pestle by smashing the pine nuts, then adding the basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and salt.

But we’re going to do things a little differently today. First of all, we’ll be using a food processor. Second, we’re going to substitute walnuts for the pine nuts. Because pine nuts aren’t something I typically have on hand. And if you’re anything like me you don’t like running to the store for special ingredients you only use in one recipe. Instead, I like to make substitutions for an ingredient I’m more likely to have on hand.

If you don’t have a food processor, there’s no time like the present! Read about which essential time saving tools I recommend everyone has in their kitchen.

I also like to substitute granulated garlic or roasted garlic for the fresh garlic. This is mostly for my kids. My husband and I like the spicy garlic flavor, but if there’s any hope of our kids eating it, the spice can’t be there. Use what works best for you!

How to Make basil Pesto

If you want to be authentic, go ahead and use a mortar and pestle. But if you’re short on time or just want the easier option, pull out your food processor.

To start making your basil walnut pesto, get your basil. If you have a sunny window or a spot in your garden, basil is SUPER easy to grow. So either go grab a big bunch from your abundant basil plant, or buy some at the store.

Next, shred the Parmesan. I use this handheld zester, which is awesome. But any shredder will do. Now put everything except the olive oil in the bowl of your food processor.

Ingredients before blending in food processor.

Pulse your food processor a few times and then turn it on until everything is the same consistency. Scrape down the sides, if necessary.

walnuts, basil, parmesan, salt, and garlic powder in food processor blended up.

Next, pour in the olive oil with the food processor running.

Finished basil walnut pesto. Ready to eat!

What other nuts can I subStiTute for Pine Nuts in my pesto?

Pine nuts are what is traditionally used in pesto, but you can easily substitute other nuts. I’ve personally used walnuts (obviously), and almonds. You could also try substituting sunflower seeds if you have some of those on hand.

And just so you know…I almost ALWAYS make substitutions when I try new recipes. Most recipes are flexible and you can easily make substitutions based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

I learned to cook by doing a LOT of guess-and-check with ingredient substitutions. Sometimes it works great, sometimes it’s a little…um…different, but it’s almost always edible, and sometimes surprisingly tasty! And in the end, you’ll learn something new and (hopefully) you’ll be more empowered to continue trying new things.

Why does it taste bitter?

If it tastes a little bitter, try adding another pinch of salt. Salt will counteract the bitterness, as would more Parmesan, or something acidic (like lemon juice).

Basil has a strong flavor and the pesto will also have a strong flavor. Remember that you’ll likely be eating it WITH some other food (on chicken, in pesto, etc.) so even if it tastes really strong in the bowl, the flavor will be toned down a bit in your final dish.

If you want a milder flavored pesto, or if you’re running low on basil, use half spinach, half basil.

Should I use the stems in the Basil pesto?

Basil stems are edible (as are the stems of other green herbs like cilantro and parsley). You can definitely throw them in. If you’re going the mortar-and-pestle route, the stems might be a little difficult to smash down into a paste. But with the food processor, it works just fine!

I cut off the biggest part of the stems at the bottom and threw the rest in.

How long will my homemade basil pesto last?

Your basil walnut pesto should last 5-7 days in the fridge, or 3-4 months in the freezer.

How do I freeze pesto?

A super easy way to freeze your basil pesto is to put it in ice cube trays and stick it in the freezer. Once it’s frozen you can transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a Ziplock bag.

Then when you need to use it (and maybe you’ve forgotten to defrost it until the day you need it), it won’t take very long to thaw.

pesto in ice cube trays, ready to go in the freezer.

How do I thicken up the basil walnut pesto?

If you need to thicken your pesto, try sticking it in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. If you need a faster solution, add more walnuts and blend until they’re incorporated.

Alternatively, if you want to thin it out a bit, add more olive oil.

Now what?

Now you’ve made your basil walnut pesto. Hooray! Next, you need to find something to go with it. Try it on your pasta, or spread it over grilled chicken. You could eat it on a sandwich, or use it as a pizza sauce, too. It’s up to YOU!

It would be delicious on these homemade “cheese” crackers, or mixed with some mayo as a dip for baked sweet potato fries.

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