I’ve been absolutely obsessed with pesto these days. And with this Mint, Walnut, and Basil Pesto recipe, it looks like this trend is going to continue.
I love this recipe because it’s a different take on pesto.
It’s the end of the summer, and my garden is overflowing with mint and basil. I don’t want anything to go to waste, and even with giving away herbs and garnishing everything, I needed a new recipe to use loads of mint and basil!
This recipe is also a good way to change things up. (P.S. if you’re looking for other pesto recipes, check out my green goddess pesto!)
Pesto has building blocks of five things: herbs, nuts, garlic, cheese, and oil.
You’ll want to make sure you have a food processor for this recipe. I use this one – you can get it on Amazon!
And the beauty of this delicious sauce gives you so many ways to get creative.
This recipe calls for pasta, but use can use this pesto with bruschetta, on chicken, in a lasagna, or served with a cheese board.
The pesto-bilites are endless!
All About Pesto
Pesto is typically made of pine nuts, olive oil, basil, and cheese. This recipe uses walnuts instead of pine nuts and also adds fresh mint.
You can eat pesto with pasta, chicken, lamb, beef, or roasted vegetables. You can also eat pesto with toasted bread and mozzarella, or even on pizza.
Yes! You can double a batch of pesto and freeze half of it for later. This is a great option to always have pesto sauce on hand. When you want to use the frozen pesto, simply defrost and warm in a saucepan with pasta and pasta water.
More Pasta Recipes
Looking for even more pasta recipes? Check out these delicious easy pasta recipes below:
One Pot Easy Sausage and Spinach Orzo – This super easy one pot recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner! Minimal cleanup plus this delicious dish will make you a weeknight hero.
15 Minute Vodka Sauce – Who said delicious meals need to take long to make? This restaurant quality vodka sauce is so simple and done in 15 minutes.
Sage Butter Cacio e Pepe – If you like twists on classics, this one is for you. Sage butter cacio e pepe is the perfect spin on an Italian classic pasta dish.
Mint, Walnut, and Basil Pesto Ingredients
- 1/2 lb pasta (I used rotini)
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 large handfuls of basil
- 2 large handfuls of mint
- 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan
- pinch of sea salt
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When water is boiling, cook pasta until it’s al dente. Reserve a mug-full of pasta water before draining.
While pasta is cooking, combine walnuts, olive oil, garlic, basil, mint, parmesan, and a pinch of sea salt into a food processor.
Pulse on high until everything is mixed well. If the sauce is thick, add a teaspoon of water and pulse again.
When the pasta is done, drain and combine with pesto. Add pasta water one teaspoon at a time until sauce is desired consistency.
Mint, Walnut, and Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb pasta (I used rotini)
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 large handfuls of basil
- 2 large handfuls of mint
- 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When water is boiling, cook pasta until it’s al dente. Reserve a mug-full of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, combine walnuts, olive oil, garlic, basil, mint, parmesan, and a pinch of sea salt into a food processor.
- Pulse on high until everything is mixed well. If the sauce is thick, add a teaspoon of water and pulse again.
- When the pasta is done, drain and combine with pesto. Add pasta water one teaspoon at a time until sauce is desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Mint, Walnut, and Basil Pesto
Serves: 4 servings
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 375.8 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 17.0 g | 26.2% | |
| Saturated Fat 3.58 g | 17.9% | |
| Trans Fat 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol 6.32 mg | 2.1% | |
| Sodium 163.68 mg | 6.8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 44.31 g | 14.8% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2.41 g | 9.6% | |
| Sugars 1.63 g | ||
| Protein 11.24 g | ||
| Vitamin A 4.3 % | Vitamin C 2.47 % | |
| Calcium 14.53 % | Iron 10.29 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Tasting With Tina
Looks so fresh and delicious! I’ll have to try this.
You will love it!
I love this fresh take on pesto!
Thank you!
I never thought to put mint in my pesto but oh man, I’m doing this from now on! Great recipe!
It’s such a good fresh spin on pesto!!
I love making my own pesto, but I’ve never tried it with mint before this. What a great addition.
You will love it! It’s a great way to change it up.
Mmm… I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol. Thank you for making me hungry!
Lol that’s what I’m here for! 🙂
Absolutely love the mint in this pesto recipe!
Thank you! Glad you liked it!