Go Back
photo of nut free pesto in a small glass jar with a gold spoon dipped inside. the jar is surrounded by basil, garlic cloves, a white kitchen towel, and a gold bowl

Nut Free Pesto

Cindy
This Nut Free Pesto is the perfect substitute for those with nut allergies. It's bright and fresh, and can be made in just a few minutes. Sunflower seeds are used in place of pine nuts, and you'll never know the difference!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Syrups and Sauces
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 169 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil tightly packed
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil or more as needed
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • ¼ cup Sunflower Seeds
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place the minced garlic and a cup of tightly packed fresh basil leaves into a food processor.
    top view photo of a clear jar with fresh basil, garlic in it, with a white kitchen towel below the jar, and fresh basil and garlic to the left. there is clear bowl with sunflower seeds to the right
  • Add in oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
    top view photo of a clear jar with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in it, with a white kitchen towel below the jar, and fresh basil and garlic to the left. there is clear bowl with sunflower seeds to the right
  • Then add sunflower seeds and parmesan cheese to the mixture in the food processor. Pulse until well combined, but not completely smooth.
    top view photo of a clear jar with fresh basil, sunflower seeds, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice in it, with a white kitchen towel below the jar, and fresh basil and garlic to the left. there is clear bowl with sunflower seeds to the right
  • Add salt and pepper to taste, then adjust to desired consistency by adding more oil.
    top view photo of nut free pesto in a glass jar, with a white kitchen towel below it, fresh basil and garlic to the left, and a clear bowl to the right with sunflower seeds in it
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
    close up photo of a spoonful of nut free pesto surrounded by fresh basil and garlic cloves,

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh spinach instead of the basil. If you use spinach it needs to be fresh and not frozen.
  • You can omit the sunflower seeds or substitute with pepitas.
  • If you add in too much oil and your pesto is too thin, you can thicken by adding more fresh basil or fresh spinach.
Keyword nut free pesto