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Sage Pesto With Walnuts and Parsley

Pesto sauce is SUPER SIMPLE to make, so don't let the number of steps throw you. We just added extra info to make it clear and to give you options. The basic recipe is really simple and easy... our favorite kind!
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 .5 cups
Calories 310kcal
Author Cooks

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh sage leaves
  • 1 cup fresh parsley
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup toasted walnuts
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 lemon zest zest of one lemon
  • ½ teaspoon salt we prefer sea salt]
  • ½ tsp freshly ground pepper
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Instructions

  • If using toaster oven to toast your nuts, you can go ahead and put those into the toaster. (See #8a below)
  • SOLID INGREDIENTS: Add sage, parsley, garlic, walnuts, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt and pepper to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped or process until smooth, according to your preference.
  • NOTE: If you prefer a smooth texture, see Notes section below. If not continue in this sequence.
    ADDING OIL: With motor running, slowly pour in olive oil.
  • ADD CHEESE: Turn off motor and stir in Parmesan cheese.
  • STORE in the fridge for up to a week, or can in jars to keep for longer, following your favorite canning instructions and process.
  • For canning to preserve foods, you can also use the Instant Pot Max with the home canning option.
  • TOAST walnuts, either in a skillet or toaster oven until fragrant and golden or lightly browned, but not burnt, shaking pan or tossing with spatulate to stir.
    7a. IN SKILLET: roast over medium-low heat, tossing periodically (about 5 minutes).
    7b. IN TOASTER OVEN: set to toast for ~4 minutes, watching carefully after 3 min. to avoid burning, or bake at 350°F for
    Remove from heat and allow to cool before using in the recipe.
  • COMBINE all ingredients.

Notes

SMOOTH or TEXTURED? We like our pesto to have little bits and pieces instead of completely pureed. So if that's your preference as well, then:
  1. Process pesto veggies, nuts and seasonings until chopped or minced to desired texture, but not smooth.
  2. Transfer ingredients to a bowl and stir olive oil in manually instead of pouring it into the food processor to blend until smooth. Blend well.
  3. Add fresh grated parmesan cheese and continue to stir until well blended.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 500mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g