Pasta-Free Pesto with Thyroid-Boosting Walnuts

This is not your average pesto. It swaps out the traditional pine nuts for walnuts, which are packed with thyroid-boosting nutrients. It's also pasta-free, making it a great option for those who are gluten-free or on a low-carb diet. The zucchini noodles provide a light and refreshing base, while the pesto adds a burst of flavor.

I've always been a big fan of pesto, but I've never been a huge fan of the traditional pine nut-based version. I find that pine nuts can be a bit too oily and heavy, and they often overpower the other flavors in the pesto. A few years ago, I started experimenting with different nuts in my pesto, and I quickly discovered that walnuts are my favorite. They're not as oily as pine nuts, and they have a more subtle flavor that allows the other ingredients in the pesto to shine through.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh basil
• 1 cup raw walnuts
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles

Instructions

1. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, walnuts, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl and add the spiralized zucchini noodles.
4. Toss to coat the noodles evenly.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Why It Works

• The walnuts in this pesto provide a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for thyroid health.
• The zucchini noodles are a light and refreshing base for the pesto.
• The lemon juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the pesto.
• The garlic adds a savory flavor to the pesto.
• The salt and pepper help to balance out the flavors in the pesto.