Toasted Pecan Pesto Recipe

A vibrant twist on classic pesto! This recipe, inspired by Southern Living Magazine (June 2010), features toasted pecans for a nutty depth of flavor that elevates your pasta, sandwiches, or grilled chicken. Get ready for a taste of the South!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 1582.4 kcal
Protein 55g
Rating Be the first
Toasted Pecan Pesto 62

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Toasted Pecan Pesto

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How to Make Toasted Pecan Pesto

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread 1 cup pecan halves in a single layer on a shallow baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  3. Let the pecans cool completely for about 20 minutes.
  4. While pecans cool, prepare the remaining ingredients.
  5. In a food processor, combine the cooled pecans, 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Process until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add more olive oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

44 g

Sugar

11g

Fat

134g

Carbs

5g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Toasted Pecan Pesto?

Toasted Pecan Pesto takes about 70 minutes from start to finish — roughly 30 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Toasted Pecan Pesto?

Toasted Pecan Pesto has approximately 1582.4 calories per serving, with about 55 g protein, 5 g carbohydrates and 249 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Toasted Pecan Pesto?

The key ingredients for Toasted Pecan Pesto are Pecans, Fresh Basil Leaves, Parmesan Cheese, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Salt. See the full list with measurements above.

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