Basil Walnut Pesto

Blended in a single minute, this creamy pesto recipe yields enough sauce to coat a pound of pasta for an easy dinner fresh from the herb garden.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup (25 g) soy parmesan [or parmesan cheese]
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 cups (80 g) fresh basil leaves, packed
• ¼ cup (30 g) walnuts
• ⅛ lemon, peeled
• ½ teaspoon salt, optional

Directions

1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in order listed and secure the lid.
2. Start the blender on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to Variable 7.
3. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds, using the tamper to press ingredients toward the blades.

Notes

Walnuts help to make this pesto a creamy and filling sauce. Nutritional yeast is another great alternative for soy parmesan or parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

1 serving (50g)

• Calories: 200

• Total Fat: 20g

• Total Carbohydrate: 3g

  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 0g

• Protein: 3g

• Cholesterol: 5mg

• Sodium: 380mg