Herbs such as basil have powerful health benefits including potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. The polyphenols in herbs help fight diseases such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and more. Polyphenols are also anti-microbial, so they can help protect us from harmful bacteria as well. If you’re looking for a way to use up all of that fresh basil from your garden, this quick and easy pesto recipe is the perfect solution! Use it on pizza or pasta, in sandwiches, soups, or salads!

Ingredients:

● 1/4 cup walnuts
● 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
● 2 medium garlic cloves
● 3 cups loosely packed fresh basil
● 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
● 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
● 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a small dry skillet, toast the walnuts over medium high heat, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. Remove the nuts to a bowl and allow them to cool slightly.
2. In a food processor, combine walnuts, cheese, and garlic. Process until finely ground, 20 to 30 seconds.
3. Add the basil, lemon juice and kosher salt. Turn on the food processor and gradually pour in the olive oil. Once combined, turn off the food processor.
4. All done! Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 76
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7 g 11 %
Saturated Fat 1 g 7 %
Monounsaturated Fat 4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 4 mg 1 %
Sodium 99 mg 4 %
Potassium 28 mg 1 %
Total Carbohydrate 2 g 1 %
Dietary Fiber 0 g 1 %
Sugars 0 g
Protein 2 g 3 %
Vitamin A 11 %
Vitamin C 5 %
Calcium 39 %
Iron 0 %

Recipe adapted from: https://www.acouplecooks.com/simple-walnut-pesto/

See it on Anna’s website at: https://www.holisticnutritioncoach.org/walnut-basil-pesto

If you have a recipe you would like to share, please reach out to shelby@cclyme.org. 

Shelby Wood
Manager of Program Development
CommunityCare of Lyme
Shelby@cclyme.org
802-468-7776