5.0 from 24 votes
Pesto without Pine Nuts
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.
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 78 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Condiments
Cuisine:
Italian , International
Ingredients
- 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
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.
Cup of Yum
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
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
% 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% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.