Pesto Without Pine Nuts Recipe

Introduction

This pesto recipe skips the traditional pine nuts but still delivers vibrant, fresh flavors. Packed with basil, garlic, and parmesan, it’s a quick and delicious sauce perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, stems removed
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Remove the stems from your fresh basil leaves to ensure a smooth pesto.
2. Step 2: Place the basil, garlic cloves, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a food processor and blend until the mixture is well combined and reaches a smooth consistency.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor without pine nuts, try adding a handful of toasted walnuts or almonds.
• Adjust the olive oil quantity to achieve your preferred pesto thickness.
• If you prefer a milder garlic taste, reduce the cloves to one.

Storage

Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent browning, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing. For longer storage, freeze pesto in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to a freezer bag; thaw as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make pesto without a food processor?

Yes, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand and then mix them together, though the texture will be chunkier compared to using a food processor.

Is it necessary to remove basil stems?

Removing the stems helps create a smoother texture since the stems can be tough and fibrous, but small tender stems can be included if finely chopped.

Pesto Without Pine Nuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 103 reviews

This recipe offers a simple and delicious way to make classic basil pesto without pine nuts. Using fresh basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil, this nut-free pesto is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, providing a flavorful twist on the traditional version without sacrificing any taste.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately ½ cup pesto 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pesto Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, stems removed
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Basil Leaves: Remove the stems from your fresh basil leaves, making sure to use only the tender leaves for the best flavor and smooth texture.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the basil leaves, garlic cloves, freshly grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper into a food processor.
3. Process Until Smooth: Grind and pulse the ingredients in the food processor until the mixture is well combined and reaches a smooth, pesto consistency, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure an even blend.

Notes

• Use fresh basil for the best flavor; avoid wilted or browned leaves.
• Pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze pesto in ice cube trays and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Adjust garlic quantity to taste depending on your preference for pungency.
• Extra virgin olive oil quality affects the overall flavor, so choose a good one.

Keywords: pesto, nut-free pesto, basil pesto, easy pesto recipe, no pine nuts, Italian sauce, homemade pesto