Nut Free Pesto Recipe

5 from 30 votes

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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 the classic basil pesto - pesto alla genovese!

Prep Time10

Cook Time0

Total Time10

Servings: 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

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.

Video

Notes

For the traditional pesto alla Genovese

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 traditional pesto alla Genovese 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 chicken cutlets or roast chicken or spiedini.
dollop on steamed or boiled potatoes.
stir through Italian bean soup.
spread on a pizza base or dolloped on focaccia.
add to pasta salads.

Nutritional Value

Nutritional value is based on 2 tablespoons per serving

Nutrition