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    Home » Main Dishes

    Nut Free Pesto

    Published: Mar 17, 2021 · Modified: Jul 23, 2022 by Marcellina

    1.1K shares
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    two images with text in between top image is food processor with basil pesto in it and a yellow rubber spatula covered in pesto viewed from above; bottom image is glass jar of basil pesto with a spoonful being spooned out, fresh basil in the background. Text reads "how to make nut free pesto".
    Image with text. Text reads "How to make nut free pesto easy and homemade. Image is glass jar of basil pesto with a spoon pushed into the pesto, fresh basil in the background.
    Image with text. Text reads "How to make nut free pesto". Image is glass jar of pesto with a spoonful being spooned out, fresh basil in the background

    This Nut Free Pesto recipe is simple to make at home and so much better than store-bought. 

    It really only just takes 10 minutes in a small food processor to make a vibrant green, flavourful sauce that can be used in so many ways. Plus this one is nut free!

    glass jar of pesto with a spoonful being spooned out, fresh basil in the background

    Why you'll love this recipe

    Basil pesto is not traditional for my family however many years ago I found a recipe for this simple sauce and decided to try it for myself. This fresh, fragrant sauce was such a hit that it's been a regular in my kitchen ever since.

    A variation to the classic recipe is this versatile sauce nut free and it's just as delicious! Using sunflower seeds instead of nuts is an easy way to create a nut free pesto that's no compromise!

    Our favourite way to serve nut free pesto is in pesto gnocchi or with one of my amazing homemade pastas such as tagliatelle, garganelli, cavatelli and busiate are also excellent served with this sauce.

    For complete ingredient quantities and full instructions, please scroll to the printable recipe card bottom of the page.

    Ingredients notes

    ingredients for nut free pesto

    This recipe uses just 5 simple, supermarket ingredients.

    1. Fresh basil leaves
    2. Parmesan cheese
    3. Extra virgin olive oil
    4. Sunflower seeds
    5. Fresh garlic

    Plus salt to taste. I like to use salt flakes. 

    Ingredient substitutions

    Over the years, I have found that there are a few substitutions that can be made to this recipe.

    • for classic Basil Pesto, simply substitute ⅓ cup pine nuts for the sunflower seeds - see the video in the recipe card.
    • light or regular olive oil can be used if preferred
    • pre-grated Parmesan instead of freshly grated
    • use fine table salt if that's all you have but start with half the quantity, taste and adjust as necessary

    Try adding some parsley or mint OR make it with all parsley or even spinach. While oils such as macadamia, avocado or flavoured oils make a delicious change. Use your favourite hard cheese - maybe Romano, pecorino or asiago.

    Instructions

    4 step photo collage showing how to make nut free pesto

    While you can use a mortar and pestle to make pesto, a mini food processor makes quick work of this recipe.

    1. Pulse basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and salt.
    2. Add sunflower seeds and pulse again.
    3. Drizzle in extra virgin olive oil.
    4. Pulse again until smooth.

    Yes, it's that easy!

    Tips for success and FAQs

    Can this be made without a food processor?

    If you don't have a food processor, you could go via the traditional route and use a mortar and pestle. Or use a sharp knife to very finely chop the fresh basil, garlic and sunflower seeds then stir in the cheese, oil, and salt. The sauce won't be as smooth but it will still be delicious.

    How to store

    This sauce can be stored for 7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent discolouring, press down and smooth the surface before pouring over a thin layer of oil.

    Can nut free pesto be frozen?

    Are you lucky enough to have access to large quantities of fresh basil? Then you'll want to make lots of this pesto and freeze it for later. Freeze in ice cube trays or my preferred method is in mini clip seal bags for up to 3 months.

    Serving suggestions

    Nut Free Pesto just like classic pesto can be served with tagliatelle pasta but this sauce is so versatile, you'll find lots of ways to eat it. To begin, here are a few serving suggestions.

    • mix with sour cream and serve with crackers and vegetable sticks
    • accompaniment to grilled or roast chicken or barbecue meats
    • dollop on steamed or boiled potatoes
    • stir through minestrone
    • spread on a pizza base
    • add to pasta salads

    More recipes you’ll love

    Butterflied Roast Chicken
    Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
    Potato Gnocchi
    Pesto Bread
    Grilled Pizza with Pesto and Mozzarella from The Lemon Bowl
    Pesto Pasta Salad from Love to be in the Kitchen

    Made this recipe?
    Let me know if you liked it by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating and a review below. Please share a photo of your creation by tagging me on Instagram @marcellina.in.cucina!

    Recipe

    glass jar of basil pesto with a spoonful being spooned out, fresh basil in the background

    Nut Free Pesto Recipe

    A nut free pesto that takes just 10 minutes in a small food processor to make a vibrant green, flavourful sauce that can be used in so many ways. Plus video for Classic Basil Pesto!
    5 from 29 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings:6 servings
    Author: Marcellina

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
    • 3 cups fresh basil leaves lightly packed
    • ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • 2 cloves garlic peeled
    • 1 teaspoon salt flakes
    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F/180ºC. Spread sunflower seeds on baking tray and toast for 5 minutes until starting to colour. Allow to cool.
    • In a mini food processor, place basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic and salt.
    • Pulse until finely chopped into a paste. Add sunflower seeds and pulse again. Scrape down the sides as necessary.
    • Add extra virgin olive oil and pulse again until combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides when needed.
    • Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
    • See notes for variations, storage and use.

    Notes

    For a Classic Basil Pesto
    Simply substitute ⅓ cup pine nuts for the sunflower seeds.
    Other Variations
    • light or regular olive oil can be used if preferred
    • pre-grated Parmesan instead of freshly grated
    • use fine table salt if that's all you have but start with half the quantity, taste and adjust as necessary
    Try adding some parsley or mint OR make it with all parsley or even spinach. While oils such as macadamia, avocado or flavoured oils make a delicious change. Use your favourite hard cheese - maybe Romano, pecorino or asiago.
    How to store
    This sauce can be stored for 7 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent discolouring, press down and smooth the surface before pouring over a thin layer of oil.
    Can pesto be frozen?
    Nut free pesto can be frozen in ice cube trays or my preferred method is in mini clip seal bags for up to 3 months.
    Serving suggestions
    Nut Free Pesto like classic pesto can be served with tagliatelle pasta but this sauce is so versatile, you'll find lots of ways to eat it. To begin, here are a few serving suggestions.
    • mix with sour cream and serve with crackers and vegetable sticks
    • accompaniment to grilled or roast chicken or barbecue meats
    • dollop on steamed or boiled potatoes
    • stir through minestrone
    • spread on a pizza base
    • add to pasta salads
    Nutritional Value
    Nutritional value is based on 2 tablespoons per serving

    Nutritional Information Per Serving

    Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 580mg | Potassium: 102mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 741IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 163mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutritional Disclaimer

    Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For accurate results, it is recommended that the nutritional information be calculated based on the ingredients and brands you use.

    Tried this recipe? I'd love to see!Mention @marcellina.in.cucina or tag #marcellinaincucina

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Max

      September 29, 2022 at 12:01 am

      This looks great. Just for anyone who has serious nut allergies like my son I have yet to find a brand of sunflower seed that indicates made in a nut free facility. If anyone knows of one please let me know, thanks!

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        September 29, 2022 at 8:33 am

        The brand I used doesn't specify either way. That's something you'd really need to look into. I hope you find one.

        Reply
    2. Julia

      March 19, 2021 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      Pine nuts are so hard to find for me, this was so great and worked so well for my pasta dinner!

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        March 20, 2021 at 9:12 am

        I'm so glad that you enjoyed this nut free pesto. Yes, pine nuts aren't available everywhere so this is a good option.

        Reply
    3. Nayomi

      March 18, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      5 stars
      OMG. I am making this. My husband is allergic to nut so we don't get to eat much pesto but I love the basil flavour.

      Reply
    4. Jill

      March 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm

      love the addition of the sunflower seeds in this pesto! Easy replacement and tastes amazing!

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        March 18, 2021 at 5:11 pm

        Sunflower seeds really are good in this pesto instead of the traditional pine nuts!

        Reply
    5. Addison

      March 18, 2021 at 11:54 am

      5 stars
      Love that you used sunflower seeds instead of nuts! A good pesto is so versatile and delicious!

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        March 18, 2021 at 5:12 pm

        I love pesto nut free or with nuts but this is truely a delicious version!

        Reply
    6. Michelle / Taste As You Go

      March 18, 2021 at 9:03 am

      I love homemade pesto but have always made it with nuts. I love the idea of using sunflower seeds instead! Can't wait to give this a try!

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        March 18, 2021 at 5:12 pm

        Thanks, Michelle!

        Reply
    7. Fran @ G'day Souffle'

      March 18, 2020 at 12:52 am

      I've been making my own pasta with a pasta machine- this would be a great sauce to use!

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        March 19, 2020 at 5:47 pm

        Yes, a fantastic sauce for fresh pasta! YUM!

        Reply
    8. Frank Fariello

      March 16, 2020 at 4:13 am

      You're so right. I've never come across a commercially made pesto that I though was worth eating. And with a food processor it's so quick and easy to make at home, I don't understand why anyone would!

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        March 16, 2020 at 3:26 pm

        So true, Frank!

        Reply
    9. angiesrecipes

      March 16, 2020 at 12:35 am

      I adore all sorts of pesto, chive,s asparagus, mint, parsley..but this classic basil is still my top favourite!

      Reply
      • Marcellina

        March 16, 2020 at 3:27 pm

        Basil Pesto is my absolute fav too, Angie!

        Reply
        • Pauline

          March 18, 2020 at 9:30 pm

          I love basil pesto and try to make it regularly. I've had problems growing the sweet basil last Summer but the Thai basil works just as well.You have reminded me that I need to make some more.Thanks Marcellina.

          Reply
          • Marcellina

            March 19, 2020 at 5:45 pm

            Pauline, that's interesting...I've had problems growing basil since the big rain we had in 2019. Just now, my basil is starting to improve and I have a beautiful basil plant.

            Reply

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