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    Home » Mains » 17 Easy Pesto Recipes Without Pine Nuts

    Published: Mar 2, 2022 · Updated: Sep 24, 2022 by Liz Cipolla · This post may contain links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    17 Easy Pesto Recipes Without Pine Nuts

    There are lots of ways to make homemade pesto recipes without pine nuts. From nut free pesto, vegan pesto, and even tomato pesto, here are seventeen pesto recipes without pine nuts you will love!

    A photo collage of four green pestos and two red pestos with the title seventeen easy pesto recipes without pine nuts.

    Traditional pesto sauce as it is most known comes from Genoa, which is located in northern Italy. In general, it contains fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves and olive oil. As such, pesto recipes have since evolved into several different varieties and are used for much more than just a pasta sauce.

    Pesto recipes without pine nuts and basil are becoming increasingly popular. Many people have aversions or allergies to nuts. Likewise, many people have specific dietary restrictions. As a result, it's important to keep a variety of delicious homemade pesto recipes on hand for any occasion.

    Can you make pesto without pine nuts? Absolutely, walnuts, cashews, and almonds are common substitutions for pine nuts in pesto. Similarly, nut free pestos use sun flower and pumpkin seeds as replacements.

    A small white bowl of walnuts, a small white bowl of almonds, a small glass jar of sunflower seeds, and a small blue bowl of cashews on a white counter.

    Can I make pesto without basil? Pesto can be made with any kind of leafy green like kale, spinach, and arugula. Likewise, the use of herbs like cilantro, rosemary, and parsley have become popular.

    A handful of each fresh basil, spinach, arugula, kale, and parsley on a white countertop.

    Pesto Categories Covered (All Pine Nut Free!)

    1. Nut Free Pesto Recipes
    2. Vegan Pesto Recipes
    3. Pesto Recipes Without Nuts or Cheese
    4. Pesto Recipes Without Basil
    5. Tomato Pesto Recipes

    Nut Free Pesto Recipes

    Nut free pesto is a great option for anyone with food allergies. As a result, these no nut pesto recipes are packed with flavor.

    1

    Nut Free Pesto

    Photo Credit: www.marcellinaincucina.com

    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.

    2

    Basil Arugula Pesto

    Photo Credit: getonmyplate.com

    Once you make this Basil Arugula Pesto, you will never go back to store bought pesto again! A few fresh ingredients and about 5 minutes and you have a fresh pesto you’ll be making over and over!

    3

    Nut Free Pesto with Basil

    Photo Credit: joyfilledeats.com

    With an abundance of fragrant basil, there is nothing better than whipping up a quick batch of nut free pesto. It freezes well and enhances the flavor of so many dishes!

    Vegan Pesto Recipes

    Vegan pestos without cheese have exponentially increased in popularity. As a result, vegan pestos commonly use nutritional yeast as a replacement for parmesan cheese. Here are a few of our favorite dairy free vegan pesto recipes without pine nuts.

    1

    Vegan Arugula Pesto Recipe

    Photo Credit: ourplantbasedworld.com

    This Easy Vegan Arugula Pesto Recipe is one of my favorite Italian preparations. Not only can you make great pasta, but you can use it to boost the flavor of many other dishes.

    2

    Vegan Basil Pesto

    Photo Credit: veganonboard.com

    This homemade vegan basil pesto is packed with fresh herbs to make a rich and flavourful sauce. Ready in under 10 minutes and ideal for topping pasta, pizza or bread and more.

    3

    Easy Thai Basil Pesto

    Photo Credit: www.myplantifulcooking.com

    This flavorful & fresh Thai basil pesto is a great condiment to have on hand. Easy to make & happens to be vegan too!

    4

    Fennel Fronds Pesto

    Photo Credit: www.wholefoodbellies.com

    If you have ever wondered just what to do with those fennel fronds, fennel leaves, fennel tops or fennel greens once you have used up the bulb, then this lush Fennel Fronds Pesto is for you.

    Nut Free, Dairy Free Pesto Recipes

    It is common nowadays for people to have an allergy to both nuts and dairy. Therefore, it is important to be prepared with some delicious alternatives. Here are a few of our favorite pesto recipes without nuts or cheese.

    1

    Spinach Artichoke Pesto (Nut Free, Vegan) ~ Veggie Inspired

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

    A heavenly combo of spinach, artichokes, garlic, lemon, and pumpkin seeds. This dairy free, nut free, beautifully green pesto is a condiment you will reach for again and again.

    2

    Zucchini Pesto (Courgette Pesto)

    Photo Credit: forkfulofplants.com

    Charred zucchini and toasted seeds mixed with basil, garlic, nutritional yeast and lemon make for a delicious zucchini pesto.

    3

    Vegan Pumpkin Seed Pesto with Parsley and Basil

    Photo Credit: drivemehungry.com

    A delicious vegan pumpkin seed pesto sauce made with parsley and basil. This healthy vegan parsley basil pesto is perfect for cold pesto pasta salads!

    Pesto Recipes Without Basil

    These unique basil free pesto recipes use several varieties of fresh greens as alternatives. Carrot tops, kale, arugula, mint, and dill are all used in these heavenly recipes.

    1

    Carrot Top Pesto Recipe - Debra Klein | Easy Plant Based Recipes

    Photo Credit: debraklein.com

    Carrot top pesto for the delicious win! Stop throwing away the tops of your carrots. The carrot greens are loaded with nutrition and you can make a super tasty pesto with them in under 5 minutes.

    2

    Kale Pistachio Pesto Recipe

    Photo Credit: www.chiselandfork.com

    When most people think of pesto, they think of basil and pine nuts, but this kale pesto is a great and tasty alternative to the traditional sauce.

    3

    Arugula and Walnut Pesto

    Photo Credit: cravingcalifornia.com

    Bright, fresh and flavor-packed this lemony arugula pesto is made with toasted walnuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. It’s perfect for tossing with fresh pasta, or slathering over grilled bread, vegetables, meat, and fish.

    4

    Mint Pesto (Pesto di Menta)

    Photo Credit: ourplantbasedworld.com

    This fresh 5-minutes vegan mint sauce will make your dishes explode with freshness!

    5

    Dill Walnut Pesto

    Photo Credit: www.mrsjoneskitchen.com

    This small batch dill pesto with walnuts and lemon is a quick and easy recipe to jazz up fish, chicken or salads. Light and fresh, it can be made in minutes!

    Tomato Pesto Recipes

    Red pesto usually includes fresh tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes, or roasted red bell peppers. Likewise, these red pesto recipes are a great alternative to using basil.

    1

    Creamy Fresh Tomato Pesto

    Photo Credit: anitalianinmykitchen.com

    Creamy Tomato Pesto Fettuccine is a healthy, simple and easy pasta sauce recipe, creamy and delicious without the cream.

    2

    Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

    Photo Credit: www.marcellinaincucina.com

    My sun dried tomato pesto is perfect for adding a serious flavor punch to your dishes - and is quick and easy to make with just 6 basic ingredients.

    While traditional basil pesto is delicious, there are so many exciting variations to try. Your next dinner with friends or family does not have to be boring! Make sure to save this master list of pesto recipes without pine nuts fit for any occasion.

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