Nut Free Pesto Basil Sauce

Are you looking for a recipe for a pesto without pine nuts? Look no further! This nut free pesto recipe is perfect for anyone with nut allergies or who doesn't like pine nuts.

It's made from basil, parmesan, garlic, lemon and olive oil and is easy to make. Give this basil sauce a try today!

Jump to:

• History of Pesto
• Ingredients
• Equipment
• Serving Suggestions
• 📖 Step by Step Recipe
• Storage
• More sauce recipes
• 💬 Reviews

See our slide show video for how to make a nut free pesto below.

History of Pesto

Pesto is a sauce that originates from the Italian region of Genoa. Made with basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

Pesto has been around for centuries; nowadays, pesto's used in many pasta and chicken recipes worldwide.

Our recipe is very similar to the original, but we made our pesto without pine nuts.

Ingredients

There are only a handful of ingredients needed to make this pesto sauce.

Basil leaves

Use fresh basil in pesto. It has a sweeter flavour than dry basil and will make your nut-free pesto more vibrant in colour.

Cheese

Use Parmigiano Reggiano, otherwise known as parmesan cheese; another equally delicious hard cheese is Granada Padano.

Garlic cloves

I like to use two cloves of garlic for this basil sauce. Adjust to your taste.

Lemon

Lemon adds a little extra zing; start with a small squeeze of half a lemon and add more to taste.

Extra virgin olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil is best for pesto as it has a fruity flavour. You could also use other olive oil blends.

Dairy-Free or Vegan Pesto

To make a dairy free pesto, use nutritional yeast or a vegan alternative to hard cheese.

Equipment

You can use a pestle and mortar, food processor or blender to blend the ingredients.

Basil Sauce in Blender

When using a food processor or hand blender, add the basil leaves, parmesan and garlic. Process the mixture in short bursts until it has broken down.

Then add a squeeze of half a lemon, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Finish blending until it reaches the desired texture.

Alternatively, use a pestle and mortar to grind ingredients until well combined.

Making Nut Free Pesto in Pestle and Mortar

It is best to cut the basil leaves smaller first and use a garlic puree instead to make it easier to grind.

Add lemon juice to taste and season with salt and pepper.

Your nut free basil sauce is ready to be used immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade pesto is such a versatile sauce, and this recipe is no exception. You can use it hot or cold in pasta salads, as a sandwich spread or dip - the possibilities are endless!

Try it out with our Italian Style Eggs Benedict or our prawn pesto pasta. Keep an eye out for our salmon pesto pasta bake recipe coming soon!

Equally pleasing to use in pasta dishes or used as a pizza base or topping.

Pesto Salad Dressing

To transform this pesto into a salad dressing, add more extra virgin olive oil and a splash of white wine vinegar.

📖 Step by Step Recipe

This basil sauce pesto without pine nuts recipe post was initially posted on 10/10/2019. It was updated on 20/03/2022 to include new images, updated blog post writing and updated food processor method.

Storage

You can store the pesto in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using.

Can you freeze homemade pesto?

Yes, you can freeze pesto! Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to six months.

When ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using.

Try storing in smaller portions in plastic containers or an ice cube tray. Perfect size portions for making a quick homemade sandwich spread or to make a salad dressing.

If you loved this recipe for nut free pesto, please let us know. We would love to see how you use your basil sauce.

More sauce recipes

Are you looking for more homemade sauce ideas? We have plenty to choose from, like our rich whisky sauce, equally green pea puree sauce or peppercorn sauce. Or one of my favourites chilli sauce.