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Walnut Basil Pesto with Bone Broth: Great Macros & Flavor

By Holly Darnell, RD

March 8, 2024

Pesto is one of the most popular and easy Italian recipes. Typically, it relies on olive oil, basil and parmesan cheese for that classic taste.

That being said, it’s also typically very high in calories and fat. This walnut basil pesto adds a few ingredients — including high-protein Bone Broth Protein and healthy fats with walnuts — to lower the calorie count but expand the flavor and nutritional profile. I think you’ll dig it!

Nutrition Facts

For each two-tablespoon serving, it’s just 137 calories now. The macronutrients break down to 12 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbs and 5 grams of protein. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a pesto with better macros.

Nutrient-wise, this recipe is very high in vitamin K (33 percent Daily Value), manganese (21 percent DV) and copper (16 percent DV). It’s also full of healthy omega-3s (51 percent DV) while well balanced with omega-6s (29 percent DV).

Key Basil Pesto Ingredients

As said above, olive oil, basil and parmesan cheese are the go-to ingredients for any classic pesto. All are used in this walnut basil pesto but in lesser amounts.

Basil is a great herb to support healthy inflammation levels and the immune system. It’s also loaded with antioxidants.

Olive oil is a healthy fat and is a staple of the Mediterranean diet. Research shows how its micronutrients support heart health and healthy inflammation levels.

Parmesan is a lactose-free cheese that is easy to digest for most people. It’s typically made from cow’s milk, but you can also get it from sheep’s milk (Pecorino Parmesan) or even goat’s milk (Caprino Parmesan).

Don’t want any dairy at all? Use nutritional yeast! This underused superfood is loaded with protein and flavor.

The other two ingredients that most classic pestos include? Garlic and pine nuts. Garlic remains part of this recipe. It’s high in certain sulfur compounds that are believed to be responsible for its scent and taste, as well as its very positive effects on human health.

Instead of pine nuts, walnuts are substituted for a slight twist in the flavor profile. Considered one of the healthiest nuts, walnuts come packed with healthy fats, antioxidants and minerals. With more omega-3s than most nuts, they help support brain and heart health.

Vitamin C–packed lemon juice is also used for additional flavor, along with sea salt.

Lastly, Bone Broth Protein (pure flavor) is used to add protein, collagen and additional amino acids — and helps support the skin, joints and gut.

How to Make Walnut Basil Pesto

Ideally you have a food processor on had to make this recipe a cinch. If not, you can use a blender.

Simply add walnuts, garlic, Bone Broth Protein, sea salt, black pepper, lemon juice, basil, cheese (or nutritional yeast) and olive oil to a food processor. Pulse until fully combined.

Add in olive oil and pulse until combined. For a smoother consistency, add in water one tablespoon at a time until desired texture is reached.

How to use this pesto? Serve with cooked pasta, chopped tomato and a protein; top grilled salmon or chicken; use as a veggie dip; stir into mashed potatoes; spread on a slice of bread; and more!

Pesto will last for up to one week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Pesto can also be frozen in ice cube trays. Allow to fully freeze, then store frozen pesto cubes in plastic freezer bags in the freezer for up to six months.

Other Savory Sauces or Dressings

• Fresh tomato pasta sauce (with Bone Broth Protein)

• Caesar dressing

• Honey Dijon vinaigrette dressing

• Green Goddess dressing

Recipe developed by Holly Darnell, RD. Holly is a registered dietitian nutritionist who unlocked self-love at the intersection of exceptional food and practical solutions for healthy living. She’s passionate about helping others make simple, positive lifestyle changes on their individual path to healing.