Pesto is a paste made of fresh basil leaves, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil and typically pine nuts. But pine nuts can be replaced with walnuts or even pistachios.

Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
2 cups pasta (penne or spiral)
½ cup cooked green peas
1 cup fresh basil leaves
3-4 tbsp olive oil
Handful of walnuts chopped
3 tbsp parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic crushed
Salt and little pepper
4-5 cherry tomatoes
4-5 pieces walnuts to garnish

Method:
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water and drain. Transfer to a big bowl.
Add peas along with quartered tomatoes into the bowl.
Blend the basil, garlic, walnuts, olive oil and cheese to an almost smooth paste.
Adjust seasonings.
Add pesto to pasta and mix well. Garnish with walnuts.