Walnut Sage Pesto Recipe
Ingredients
* 1 cup fresh sage leaves, loosely packed
* 1 cup walnuts
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 cloves garlic
* ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
2. Add sage, walnuts, Parmesan, and garlic to a food processor.
3. Pulse until finely chopped.
4. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
5. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Optional Add-Ins
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (softens sage’s strong flavor)
* 1 tablespoon honey for a slightly sweeter pesto
* ¼ cup fresh basil for a more traditional pesto taste
* Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Serving Ideas
* Spread on grilled pork loin
* Toss with roasted potatoes
* Stir into cauliflower rice
* Spread on keto chaffles
* Spoon over grilled chicken or salmon
Storage
Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top to help keep it fresh.
Hashtags:
Making walnut sage pesto at home is a delightful way to enjoy a unique twist on the traditional basil pesto. Using fresh sage leaves brings an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that pairs beautifully with the nutty richness of toasted walnuts. Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch, elevating the texture of the pesto. When preparing your pesto, it's important to pulse the ingredients in a food processor rather than blending continuously, which helps maintain a fresh and slightly coarse texture. Slowly adding the olive oil while processing ensures a creamy consistency without making the pesto too runny. Beyond the listed optional add-ins, experimenting with flavors like a squeeze of fresh orange juice or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add depth and accommodate dietary preferences. Fresh parsley is a great addition to soften strong sage notes, while a dash of red pepper flakes can provide a warming heat that complements savory dishes. Serving walnut sage pesto is incredibly versatile. It can be spread on toasted bread for a quick appetizer, mixed into pasta for a light yet flavorful meal, or used as a marinade base for meats like grilled chicken or pork loin. Even roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice get a delicious boost when tossed with this pesto. For storage, keeping the pesto covered with a thin layer of olive oil slows oxidation and preserves freshness. If freezing, consider portioning into ice cube trays to conveniently thaw small amounts as needed. In my experience, homemade pesto always tastes fresher and more vibrant than store-bought versions. Plus, it’s easy to tailor each batch to your taste by adjusting the herbs, cheese, and seasoning. Walnut sage pesto is a fantastic addition to any kitchen that appreciates fresh, seasonal flavors and creative cooking.
