Recipe: Basil Walnut Pesto

Try this quick and easy homemade pesto recipe with your next pasta. As a bonus, the walnuts in this sauce are packed with magnesium, which research has shown may be helpful in warding off migraines.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh basil 
• 1/4 cup walnuts 
• 1/2 cup olive oil 
• 1/2 avocado
• 4 cloves garlic 
• 1 lb pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
  

Instructions: 

1. Bring a salted pot of water to a boil.
2. Optional step: In a small pan, toast walnuts on the stove until lightly browned.
3. Combine all ingredients into a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth.
4. Add pasta to boiling water, and cook per instructions on package or until al dente.
5. Combine drained pasta with pesto sauce in a bowl. 
   
   

Next Steps & Resources: 

• Recipe shared by the oncology dieticians at John Theurer Cancer Center
• Check out our dedicated survivorship class, Moving Forward: Eat Well, Live Well.
• For more research-based information on healthy eating, including recipes, food facts, and interesting articles, go to Healthy Eating - American Institute for Cancer Research and Eat Healthy and Get Active.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.