When I visited the Fattoria Montagliari winery in Panzano in Tuscany many years ago, Signor Giovanni Minuccio Cappelli shared this sauce recipe with me—one of many historic ones he had gathered from his family’s archives. I particularly like it as a sauce for cold roasted chicken or green beans.

Walnut Parsley Pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that brings together the earthy flavor of walnuts and the fresh, herbaceous notes of parsley. This pesto is a delightful twist on the traditional basil-based pesto, offering a unique and satisfying taste to elevate your dishes.

The combination of chopped fresh parsley, basil leaves, garlic, and toasted walnuts creates a vibrant green sauce with a rich and nutty undertone. The ingredients are blended together with extra-virgin olive oil to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Seasoned with salt and pepper, this pesto is a burst of flavors that can enhance a variety of dishes.

Whether used as a pasta sauce, a spread for sandwiches or wraps, a topping for grilled meats and vegetables, or even as a dip for crusty bread, the Walnut Parsley Pesto adds a distinct and delicious dimension to your culinary creations. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate the goodness of walnuts and the freshness of parsley into your meals.

Make a batch of this pesto and keep it on hand to transform simple dishes into culinary delights. It can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing you to enjoy its flavors whenever inspiration strikes. Get creative with the Walnut Parsley Pesto and discover new ways to savor its delightful taste.

Makes 1 cup

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 4 fresh basil leaves
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 cup walnuts, lightly toasted
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a food processor, pulse the parsley, basil, and garlic until finely chopped.
2. Add the walnuts to the food processor and coarsely chop them.
3. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste.
4. With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
5. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Let the pesto stand at room temperature for 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
7. If not serving immediately, the pesto can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 3 days. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

Enjoy the vibrant and flavorful Parsley-Walnut Pesto! It can be used as a spread, dip, or sauce to enhance the taste of various dishes. Experiment with its usage, whether as a pasta sauce, a topping for grilled vegetables, a flavorful addition to sandwiches, or even as a base for homemade pizzas. Let your creativity flow and savor the delightful combination of fresh parsley and toasted walnuts in this versatile pesto.