artichoke walnut pesto with lemon (vegan/gluten free)

I was really craving pesto last night but I didn't have any pine nuts on hand so I decided to get creative and use up some of the walnuts that I found instead. Both Chris and I really loved how this vegan pesto turned out with the addition of the artichokes and lemon. It tasted so yummy slathered onto some nice broiled bread and topped with fresh tomatoes from our local produce stand!

Artichoke Walnute Pesto with Lemon (vegan/gluten free)

3/4 cup of walnuts (feel free to toast them I am sure that would taste delicious but I used raw)
1 Tablespoon of chopped garlic (I used jarred)
1 cup of packed fresh basil
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
a few generous pinches of salt and some fresh black pepper to taste
3-5 marinated artichoke hearts or crowns
the juice of half of a lemon

Add everything to a food processor and pulse until well combined. Store leftovers in a jar in the fridge.

Happy Friday - hope you have a wonderful weekend friends!