This easy homemade pesto without pine nuts recipe comes together with only 6 simple ingredients. Homemade pesto is delicious and affordable.
Pesto can make you feel like a magician. In just a few minutes, you take fresh basil and turn it into an amazing and versatile sauce. Pesto change-o!
Homemade pesto is more of an art than a science My recipe is below, but I encourage you to adjust everything to your preferences. Make this pesto recipe without pine nuts YOUR own.
What Can I Use Instead of Pine Nuts in Pesto?
Pine nuts are absolutely delicious and also absolutely expensive! To make a pesto recipe without pine nuts you can substitute your favorite tree nuts – walnuts, almonds, and cashews are our favorites.
Need a pesto without nuts? Using the humble sunflower seed (hulled) or pumpkin seeds works amazingly well.
Ingredients and Variations
- Fresh basil is a no-brainer. You’re going to need a whopping 2 cups!
- Parmesan – shredded or grated
- Olive oil – bring the good stuff
- Nuts – walnuts, cashews, almonds, or sunflower/pumpkin seeds
- Garlic – save time by using frozen garlic
The garlic in this pesto is pretty apparent, so if you need something more subtle, either dial back the garlic or use roasted garlic. Roasted garlic is more mellow and has a sweet flavor to it.
I always have some Instant Pot Roasted Garlic or Air Fryer Roasted Garlic hanging around my freezer.
Need a dairy-free pesto for your lacto-challenged needs? Check out this Whole30 Pesto recipe for a Parmesan cheese-free version.
How to Meal Prep Pesto
Pesto is a sauce that is best served in small quantities. There is a reason that grocery stores sell it in teeny tiny jars – a little goes a long way. And yikes, those jars are pricey!Â
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- You’ll have a better overall consistency if you pulse the nuts/seeds in a food processor before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Pesto will oxidize (brown) very quickly after it’s made. Either make it right before you intend to serve it or immediately transfer it to the fridge in an air-tight container.
- If you’re putting it out as a dip, an extra layer of olive oil at the top will keep it looking fresh.
- Add in a cup or two of spinach or kale as an easy way to sneak in more veggies to dishes.
- Make sure you toast the nuts/seeds for a few minutes before chopping them. It really elevates the flavor they bring to the basil sauce.
Pesto Without Pine Nuts
This easy homemade pesto without pine nuts recipe comes together with only 5 simple ingredients. Homemade pesto is delicious and affordable.
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In a heavy skillet on medium heat, toast nuts with olive oil until they are warm and fragrant (~5 minutes).
1/4 cup nuts walnuts, 1/4 tsp olive oil
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In a food processor, pulse the nuts/seeds into small pieces.
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Add the basil, cheese, garlic, and salt and process until the mixture is finely chopped. Scrape down the sides as needed.
2 cups fresh basil, 1/3 cup shredded parmesan, 3 cloves garlic, 1/8 tsp kosher salt
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With the machine running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture has come together.
1/3 cup olive oil
- You’ll have a better overall consistency if you pulse the nuts/seeds in a food processor before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Pesto will oxidize (brown) very quickly after it’s made. Either make it right before you intend to serve it or immediately transfer it to the fridge in an air-tight container.
Nutrition Facts
Pesto Without Pine Nuts
Amount Per Serving (14 cup)
Calories 248
Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
Monounsaturated Fat 15g
Cholesterol 6mg2%
Sodium 208mg9%
Potassium 85mg2%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 0.3g0%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 700IU14%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 131mg13%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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