I cannot say for certain that this is the best pesto in the world, but what I can safely say without a doubt is that this is the best pesto I have ever had. We grow a lot of basil in the summer months and there is just something amazing about the flavor combination of freshly picked basil, toasted pine nuts, and good olive oil. It reminds me of warm summer nights and dinner with great friends. It’s blissful.
This recipe is extremely easy, and takes just minutes to prepare. I think you’ll really love this pesto, and who knows, you may even agree it’s the best pesto you’ve ever had.
How do you serve your pesto? Let us know in the comment section below!
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 TBL raw sunflower seeds (unroasted, unsalted)
2 cloves garlic
2 1/2 cups fresh basil
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBL nutritional yeast
3 TBL olive oil
1 TBL lemon juice
Fresh ground pepper to taste
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange nuts and sunflower seeds in a single layer and toast until they become golden-brown and fragrant, about 5-10 minutes.
Add toasted nut mixture and garlic to food processor and process to the consistency of fine crumbs.
Add remaining ingredients to food processor and process until smooth.
Serve mixed with your favorite pasta (hot or cold!), on pizza or bread, or stir into soup for an instant pop of color and flavor!
Nutrition
Servings: 4
Per serving: 224 calories (192 from fat), 21.3g total fat, 2.2g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 5.6g total carbohydrate (2.4g dietary fiber, 0.6g sugar), 6.1g protein, 16% vitamin A, 9% vitamin C, 4% calcium, 13% Iron
- Good Points: No cholesterol, very low in sugar, high in manganese
