Pesto without pine nuts is quick, easy and full of flavor. The zesty tart lemon flavor in compliments the richness of the nuts and parmesan with a nice pop of garlic making the perfect pesto recipe without pine nuts. You can use any nut in place of pine nuts such as walnuts, cashews, almonds and more!
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Pesto without pine nuts is perfect for pesto fans looking for a new twist on the traditional recipe. Speaking of pesto alternatives, you will also love this Pesto with Cashews!
Whether you are allergic to pine nuts, looking for a more cost effective option or just something new and exciting, this pesto recipe without pine nuts is amazing.
This pesto recipe offers many nut options in place of pine nuts without sacrificing flavor and perhaps even more delicious than the original.
From almonds to cashews or pistachios, macadamia nuts and more, this recipe is a crowd pleaser!
Get ready to create a unique pesto that will wow your family and friends at your next dinner party or potluck.
Why this pesto recipe without pine nuts works!
Pesto without pine nuts is so delicious and is a perfect alternative to traditional pesto. If you are allergic to pine nuts, have no fear!
Any nut works perfectly in pesto. In fact, different nuts have unique flavors and textures that can complement traditional pesto ingredients.
Using any nut of choice can be a great cost-effective alternative to pine nuts. Budget friendly is the way!
Pesto is so easy to make and is a total flavor bomb! Great as an appetizer, dip or as a topping for pasta or as a topping on fish, chicken or veggies.
Ingredients
Walnuts (or Nuts of Choice): I recommend using raw unsalted walnuts. Halves and pieces are generally less expensive than whole for most nuts. Since you are blending them, this is a good choice.
You can also use any nut of choice for this recipe such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, pecans or Brazil nuts.
If you use salted nuts, omit extra salt from recipe (or salt to your taste). You can also use roasted nuts if you prefer.
Olive Oil: I recommend a high quality extra virgin olive oil. If you do not have extra virgin olive oil, you can use a neutral oil such as avocado or canola oil.
Garlic: You should use fresh garlic cloves minced or pressed. This garlic press is great.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice, meyer lemons or regular. Meyer lemons are slightly sweeter and lovely in this pesto recipe.
Fresh Basil: One 4 oz container of Trader Joe’s basil yields about 2.5 oz (enough for a double batch of this recipe) once the stems are removed.
Parmesan Cheese: Use shredded parmesan cheese found in the cheese section of your local grocery store.
Salt & Pepper: I recommend fresh ground black pepper and kosher salt.
How to make pesto without pine nuts
- Mince or press garlic though garlic press. Even though you are using a food processor, sometimes garlic can stick to the sides and not be fully chopped/combined.
- In food processor, combine walnuts (or nuts of choice), olive oil, pressed garlic, lemon juice, basil leaves and Parmesan cheese. Blend to desired consistency
This pesto is chunkier and tighter. If you would like to stretch, you can use more oil (start with ⅛ cup).
You can also use meyer lemons which are sweeter than normal lemons. This gives this recipe a beautiful sweetness.
If you use regular lemons, you may wish to add ½ tsp. sugar if you would like a subtle sweetness.
How to use pesto
Pesto is the ultimate flavor bomb and is great in so many different dishes. Some of our favorite pesto ideas include:
Pasta Sauce: Toss cooked pasta with pesto for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Add your favorite protein or mix it up with a zucchini noddle and some pan seared shrimp.
Pizza Topping: Spread pesto on an air fryer frozen pizza instead of boring tomato sauce! This is a great way to take your easy dinner to the next level.
Sandwich Spread: This pesto without pine nuts is the perfect sandwich spread!
Vegetable Dip: Pesto is the perfect healthier alternative to ranch or other creamy dips.
Marinade: Great as marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu. Simply coat the protein in pesto and let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Speaking of marinades, be sure to check out this Asian Salmon Marinade for massive flavor.
FAQ and expert tips
Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and olive oil.
Yes! The great part about pesto is that you can make it with almost any nut such as almonds, cashews, walnuts and more!
Pesto is a great pasta sauce option. It is very bold in flavor and a fun alternative to a traditional tomato based sauce.
Traditional pesto is not vegan as is contains parmesan cheese. However, you can easily make vegan pesto by substituting parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast, a popular vegan cheese alternative.
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Pesto without Pine Nuts
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw unsalted walnuts or other nuts of choice (cashews, almonds, etc.) halves and pieces
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves (pressed or minced) about ½ tablespoon pressed/minced
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1¼ oz fresh basil 1 cup packed
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Mince or press garlic though garlic press. Even though you are using a food processor, sometimes garlic can stick to the sides and not be fully chopped/combined.
- In food processor, combine walnuts (or nuts of choice), olive oil, pressed garlic, lemon juice, basil leaves and Parmesan cheese. Blend to desired consistency
Julie
The thicker consistency is perfect for a dip. I used almonds. It’s delicious. I may have used just a bit too much garlic, but that’s ok. Still excellent.