Pesto without Pine Nuts

Name: Pesto without Pine Nuts
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves; 2 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

User Reviews

5.0

24 reviews

Excellent

Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings
8 servings
Calories
78 kcal
Course
Side Dish, Condiments
Cuisine
Italian, International

Pesto without Pine Nuts

Iris Warren

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This 5-minute nut-free basil pesto is bright, flavorful, and made without pine nuts. With just six healthy ingredients, it’s a fresh and delicious alternative to store-bought versions! Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or veggies.

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Ingredients

Servings

2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves packed
2 tablespoon lemon juice about ½ a lemon
1 clove garlic peeled and chopped
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Add the basil leaves and baby spinach to a food processor and pulse several times. See the pictures above for reference.
Add the lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper and pulse a few more times. Then, use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the food processor.
Set the food processor to low and gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream. This method helps emulsify the oil into the pesto to make it smooth.
Finally, add the parmesan cheese and pulse to combine.
Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking, and enjoy! Serve with tuna pesto pasta or orzo pesto salad.

Notes

Storing: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Freezing: You can freeze pesto for up to 3 months. Just add it to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Use Fresh Basil and Garlic – Key to the best flavor in your pesto!
Add Olive Oil Slowly – Pour in the olive oil while blending on low to help it blend smoothly and avoid a greasy texture.
Double the Recipe – Make extra to have pesto ready for an easy meal prep or quick pasta dinner.
Make it Vegan & Dairy-Free – Swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make this pesto completely vegan.
Parmesan – You can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free or vegan alternative, or try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, more tangy flavor.

Nutrition Information

Show Details

Calories 78kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Protein 1g (2%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 3g Cholesterol 3mg (1%) Sodium 252mg (11%) Potassium 72mg (2%) Fiber 0.3g (1%) Vitamin A 1048IU (21%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 47mg (5%) Iron 0.5mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 78 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories	78kcal	4%
Carbohydrates	1g	0%
Protein	1g	2%
Fat	8g	12%
Saturated Fat	1g	5%
Polyunsaturated Fat	1g	6%
Monounsaturated Fat	3g	15%
Cholesterol	3mg	1%
Sodium	252mg	11%
Potassium	72mg	2%
Fiber	0.3g	1%
Vitamin A	1048IU	21%
Vitamin C	5mg	6%
Calcium	47mg	5%
Iron	0.5mg	3%