Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Pesto
My go-to pesto uses roasted red peppers instead of basil, resulting in a smoky, sweet, and nutty spread. Parmesan and walnuts add intensity, while lemon juice and garlic brighten and sharpen the flavors.
I've always been a sucker for pesto. The vibrant green sauce, the fragrant basil, the nutty Parmesan... what's not to love? But after years of making it the same old way, I started to crave something different. That's when I stumbled upon the idea of using roasted red peppers in place of basil. Roasted red peppers have a naturally sweet and smoky flavor that I thought would pair well with the other ingredients in pesto. And boy, was I right! The resulting pesto is a complex and flavorful spread that's perfect for everything from pasta to grilled chicken to sandwiches.
Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Pesto Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Pesto Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Pesto Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Pesto
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 2 red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until softened and slightly charred.
  3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let cool.
  4. Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, peel and remove the seeds.
  5. In a food processor or blender, combine the roasted red peppers, walnuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Process until smooth.
  7. Transfer the pesto to a jar or container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Why It Works
  • **Roasted red peppers:** Roasting red peppers brings out their natural sweetness and smokiness, creating a unique and flavorful pesto.
  • **Walnuts:** Walnuts add a nutty flavor and texture to the pesto.
  • **Parmesan cheese:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty and umami flavor to the pesto.
  • **Lemon juice:** Lemon juice brightens and sharpens the flavors of the pesto.
  • **Garlic:** Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the pesto.