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Nut Free Pesto

Easy Nut Free Pesto is made with fresh herb ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.  A little goes a long way so be careful how much you use!!  

Pesto nut free is a twist on a traditional pesto which contains pine nuts.  This homemade pesto is spread on your Thanksgiving turkey before cooking for a special twist on your classic bird.  

My pesto recipe can be used in pasta dishes, on top of fresh salmon, and made into a pesto aioli to spread on your favorite turkey sandwich.  

The last couple of years, I have grown my own fresh herbs.  But what do I make with all these fresh ingredients?!?!  My best pesto recipe is so easy and quick to make!

Nut Free Pesto Recipe
Nut Free Pesto Recipe

The last couple of years, I have grown my own fresh herbs.  But what do I make with all these fresh ingredients?!?! 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  This page contains affiliate links.  Click on the highlighted text in a post to explore a product.  If you purchase through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you).  I ONLY EVER ENDORSE PRODUCTS THAT I TRULY LOVE.  Thank you for your support!

What is Pesto?

Pesto was traditionally made with a mortar and pestle that was developed in Genoa, Italy.  The fresh herbs were “crushed” and turned into a vibrant green sauce.   

What is in Pesto?

The fun thing about pesto, is you can choose from a variety of different ingredients.  

Pick your greens:

  • basil
  • chives
  • cilantro
  • dill
  • mint
  • parsley

Choose a grated cheese:

  • parmesan
  • queso fresco
  • feta
  • gruyere
  • gouda
  • fontina  

If you want, add in your choice of chopped nuts:

  • almond
  • cashew
  • macadamia
  • pine
  • pistachio
  • walnut
  • pecan

Then add olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic and seasonings.

Pesto without Pine Nuts
Pesto without Pine Nuts

Nut Free Pesto Ingredients

My nut free pesto ingredients are a variety of different fresh herbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. 

How To Make Pesto

Gather all nut free pesto ingredients.

Nut Free Pesto Ingredients - Greens, parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper.
Nut Free Pesto Ingredients

When ready to use your pesto without pine nuts, remove the course stems from your fresh herbs.  Discard the stems.  

De-stem your greens.
De-stem your greens.

Combine all the ingredients into a Ninja Blender or Braun Hand Chopper.  

Pesto ingredients in a Ninja Blender.
Pesto ingredients in a Ninja Blender.

Pulse all ingredients until finely chopped.

Blended homemade pesto recipe.
Blended homemade pesto recipe.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.  

Basil Pesto

Basil Pesto is super easy to make.  Combine basil leaves, pine nuts, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a blender until smooth.  

More Pesto Recipes

Nut Free Pesto – FAQ

What Does Pesto Taste Like?

This nut free pesto packs a punch of intense earthy flavors, so make sure not to use to much at a time.  A little goes a long way!!

Does Pesto Go Bad?

Yes, pesto will go bad because it is made with fresh herbs and will not last for an extended period.  One trick is to take unused pesto and fill an ice cube tray with leftovers.  Freeze pesto and once frozen, pop out of the tray and place into a Ziplock bag for later use.Freeze unused pesto in an ice tray for later use.

Is Pesto Healthy?

With all the fresh ingredients that go into pesto, how could it not be healthy!  Just remember that pesto will go a long way, so just use a little at a time.

What to Make with Pesto?

Mix fresh pesto into your favorite cooked pasta.  Try roasting your favorite vegetables that have been combined with pesto.  Make my Thanksgiving pesto turkey for a special treat.

Turkey cooked in a bag topped with pesto.
Turkey cooked in a bag topped with pesto.
Thanksgiving Pesto Turkey on a table with several sides.
Thanksgiving Pesto Turkey

Nut Free Pesto Recipe

Yield: 3/4 cups

Nut Free Pesto

Nut Free Pesto Recipe

Easy Nut Free Pesto is made with fresh herb ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. My best pesto recipe is so easy and quick to make!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Blend Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups packed greens - Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Mint and/or Parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated cheese - Parmesan, Queso Fresco, Feta, Gruyere, Gouda or Fontina
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 cup Extra-virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/16 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Gather all your ingredients to make this nut free pesto recipe.
  2. Remove the stems off all the greens so that you only have the leaves. Discard the stems.
  3. In a Ninja Blender or chopper add all the leaves. Then add the rest of the ingredients.
  4. Pulse all ingredients until finely chopped.
  5. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to a week.
  6. Can be frozen for up to six months.

Notes

  • Pair with hot pasta
  • Marinate meat before cooking
  • Make pesto aioli to spread on sandwiches
  • Top fresh fish such as salmon

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains affiliate links. Click on the highlighted text in a post to explore a product. If you purchase through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I ONLY EVER ENDORSE PRODUCTS THAT I TRULY LOVE. Thank you for your support!

Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 200Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 27mgSodium 253mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 8g

Note: For exact nutritional information, consult your dietitian. All nutritional information is simply a guideline.

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By on October 18th, 2021
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About Sherry

Welcome to FROM MICHIGAN TO THE TABLE! My name is Chef Sherry Ronning and I am a food blogger from Michigan. Professionally cooking and baking Midwestern Cuisine for more than 30 years. Specializing in fresh fish, venison, farm raised meats and griddle recipes. Please enjoy my recipes!!

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6 Comments on “Nut Free Pesto”

  1. I can’t eat nuts so your recipe for nut-free pesto is perfect, and the herbs are so fresh and vibrant. Loved every spoonful of it!

    Reply
  2. I can’t eat nuts so your recipe for nut-free pesto is perfect, and the herbs are so fresh and vibrant. Loved every spoonful of it!!

    Reply

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