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One of the sauces that instantly gives lift to a dish is pesto. Whether mixed into pasta, spread onto bread, or drizzled over veggies, it's fresh, vibrant flavour is a game changer. Most of us are familiar with classic pesto, which features pine nuts. What if you run out of them or just want to try something different?
There are plenty of nuts to fill in and make your pesto just as creamy and delicious by giving you a different flavour twist and health benefits. Swapping pine nuts with what you already have at home is one of the best ways to experiment with different textures and flavours without losing the basic character of the sauce.
Here are six nuts that go very well with pesto, and why you should try them.
Walnuts
Walnuts could be a pretty good substitute for pine nuts in pesto. The slightly bitter and earthy flavour adds a deeper taste to pesto, and they pair well with fresh basil. Walnuts are also very rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which might add an extra nutritional boost to your meals. The soft texture ensures that the pesto stays soft, without becoming too heavy. Another advantage to use them is they are a budget alternative that they cost way less than pine nuts.
Almonds
Almonds give pesto a nutty sweetness with a decidedly subtler flavour. If you want a lighter pesto, use almonds. You can put raw or blanched almonds in. Lightly roasting them before grinding gives your pesto that extra depth, a whiff of smoke. Almonds are so nutrient-dense; they pack Vitamin E and fibre, so this pesto is not only tasteful but also healthy. Their crunch adds texture to the sauce, too.
Cashews
Cashews are great for a creamier, more decadent pesto. Mildly sweet and soft with a buttery flavour, they will balance out bold garlic and basil flavours. These work well if you want the pesto to be rich but not overpowering. Cashews puree easily, which makes the pesto lovely and silky smooth. From a healthful point, cashews provide good heart-healthy fats and mineral magnesium, among other positive attributes.
Pistachio
They add colour to pesto and a taste which is unique. Their slightly sweet and nutty flavour alongside herbs and garlic give the sauce a more complex profile in taste. Pistachio make your pesto a little more complicated in taste but still really delicious. Pistachios are also a powerhouse of antioxidants and protein, so not only do they make your pesto delicious but also highly nutritious. Their vibrant green colour also makes for a visually appealing sauce.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts add a classic, almost roasted taste to pesto and serve a richer warmth taste. If you're a connoisseur of richer, bolder flavours, then hazelnuts are for you. They can be roasted before blending into the pesto, adding considerable depth and natural sweetness there. Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, hazelnuts not only provide great flavour for your meals but also give you heart-friendly benefits. Although they make a stronger flavour in the sauce, use them sparingly if you're not a fan of a really strong pesto.
Pecans
This Southern twist for pesto lends a rich, sweet, and buttery flavour to it. It also mashes up into a very smooth, creamy sauce, and their all-natural sweetness does well complement the freshness of basil. Moreover, pecans are full of monounsaturated fats as well as being a good source of fibre, so they would make healthy additions to your diet. If you're looking for a nut that adds depth of flavour without overpowering, then you'll want to consider using pecans.
