Pecan Pesto
Pecan Pesto offers a rich, nutty flavor with aromatic basil and garlic, perfect as a spread or sauce for pasta, vegetables, or grilled meats, appealing to varied palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Food process the pecans, basil, garlic, shallots, parsley, salt, pepper, and Tabasco, adding them one at a time.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl and add the olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Mix well until combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with sunflower seeds. If you prefer a creamier texture, add more Parmesan cheese or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. To enhance the herbaceous notes, consider incorporating a handful of arugula or spinach. Make sure to pulse the ingredients in the food processor until finely chopped but not pureed for a better pesto consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan pesto is versatile and can be served as a dip with fresh vegetables or spread on toasted bread for a delicious appetizer. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Mediterranean Pasta Salad or as a sauce for grilled chicken. Toss it with pasta for a quick meal or drizzle over roasted vegetables for added flavor. Consider using it as a topping for fish, especially in dishes like Orange Roughy With Orange Herb Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on the surface before sealing. If you wish to freeze it, pour pesto into ice cube trays, freeze, and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature when ready to use.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Pesto contains roughly 310 calories, with 13g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), iron (23% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2639mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even pine nuts for a different flavor profile. Each nut will impart its unique taste to the pesto, so feel free to experiment based on your preference or availability.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
The original recipe includes Parmesan cheese, which is not vegan. To make it vegan, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The pesto will still be delicious and packed with flavor from the herbs and nuts.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the pesto?
If you prefer a milder pesto, reduce or omit the Tabasco sauce. Conversely, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of Tabasco or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the spiciness without altering the overall flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).