If you love pesto but don’t love pine nuts or just want to try a something new, this Homemade Pesto Without Pine Nuts is deliciously wonderful, rich with flavor and only takes 5 minutes to make. Fresh basil, garlic, walnuts, lemon, & olive oil, blended to perfection—you may just want to put it on anything and everything!
Toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches or avocado toast, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or use it as a dip, this pine nut-free pesto is an easy, flavorful addition to your meals. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with 5, fresh, & whole ingredients. 🌿🍋✨
Why Make Pesto Without Pine Nuts?
Traditional basil pesto is famous for its vibrant green color, rich garlicky flavor, and nutty undertones, but pine nuts can be expensive, hard to find, or even a common allergen. This walnut (pine nuts-less) pesto recipe brings all the goodness of traditional pesto & has so much depth of flavor! So here’s a few reasons you should make it.
Pine Nuts Are Expensive – Pine nuts can be costly, while walnuts offer a more budget-friendly alternative without any compromise on flavor.
Allergy-Friendly – Many people have tree nut allergies, and while walnuts are still a nut, they are a more common and tolerated alternative. You can also substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
A Unique Flavor Profile – Using walnuts adds a rich, slightly earthy flavor that complements basil beautifully. Plus, they blend into a creamy, velvety texture.
Nutrients & Health – Walnuts are packed with healthy fats, omega-3s, and antioxidants, making this pesto recipe without pine nuts a nutritious choice.
Pesto Connoisseur?
Try another pesto recipe and let me know your thoughts!
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
How to Make Homemade Pesto Without Pine Nuts
Homemade Pesto Without Pine Nuts is so simple to make and only requires 5 easy ingredients (you may already have)!
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Fresh Basil
- ½ Cup Walnuts
- ¼ Cup Olive Oil
- 2 Lemons juiced
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic minced
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Check out the recipe video on Instagram!
Step-By-Step
Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine fresh basil, walnuts, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can adjust the texture by adding more oil for a thinner consistency or keeping it thick for a spreadable pesto.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice. For a richer taste, drizzle in extra olive oil. Add salt and pepper at this time to your liking.
Store and Enjoy: Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Enjoy! 💚
Ways to Use Pesto Without Pine Nuts
This pesto without pine nuts recipe is very incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it!
Toss it with Pasta – Stir it into hot pasta for an easy, flavorful dish. Add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for extra heartiness.
Spread it on Sandwiches, Wraps or Toast – Use it as a sandwich spread instead of mayo or mustard. It pairs beautifully with turkey, grilled veggies, or even a caprese-style sandwich.
Drizzle Over Roasted Vegetables – Try it over roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or zucchini for some fresh, zesty, garlicky goodness!
Use it as a Salad Dressing – Thin it out with a little extra olive oil and lemon juice, then toss it with fresh greens.
Dip for Bread or Crackers – Serve it as an appetizer with crusty gluten-free bread or crispy crackers.
Pizza Sauce Alternative – Swap out tomato sauce for pesto on a homemade pizza! It’s especially delicious with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.
Recipe Variations
Want to tweak the recipe? Here are some fun variations to customize your homemade pesto without pine nuts:
Nut-Free Option: Swap the walnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an allergy-friendly pesto.
Cheesy Addition: If you’re not dairy-free, add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, creamier taste.
Extra Greens: Mix in spinach, kale, or arugula for a boost of nutrients and a slightly different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Creamier Texture: Blend in an avocado for an ultra-creamy pesto that’s perfect as a dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of pine nuts in pesto?
If you're looking for a pesto without pine nuts, you can easily swap them for walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. Each alternative brings a slightly different flavor and texture while keeping your pesto rich and creamy.
Does pesto need nuts?
No, you can make nut-free pesto by replacing nuts with seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You can also use extra basil or even add avocado for creaminess.
What does pesto without pine nuts taste like?
This walnut pesto recipe has a rich, earthy, and slightly buttery flavor. Walnuts add depth while keeping the pesto smooth and creamy. The basil and garlic still provide that bold, fresh taste pesto is known for.
Can I make pesto without cheese?
Yes! This dairy-free pesto is naturally cheese-free. If you still want a cheesy flavor, try adding nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly alternative.
How long does homemade pesto last?
Store your homemade pesto without pine nuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. To extend its shelf life, freeze it in small portions.
Can I freeze pesto?
Yes you can! Freezing is a great way to preserve pesto. Pour it into an ice cube tray, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This method makes it easy to use small portions as needed.
Can I make pesto with roasted nuts?
Absolutely! Toasting the walnuts before blending enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra depth to your pesto recipe without pine nuts. Simply toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.
What is the best oil for pesto?
Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for pesto, as it provides a rich, smooth texture and enhances the flavors of basil and garlic. However, you can also use avocado oil for a milder taste.
What’s the best way to use pesto without pine nuts?
This walnut pesto is versatile! Toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or mix it into salads for a fresh, flavorful boost.
Can I make this pesto oil-free?
Yes! For an oil-free pesto, replace the olive oil with vegetable broth, water, or mashed avocado. The texture won’t be as rich, but it will still be creamy and flavorful.
Enjoy Pesto Without Pine Nuts!
This Pesto Without Pine Nuts is an easy, affordable, and incredible twist on the classic pesto recipe. Whether you’re avoiding pine nuts for dietary reasons, looking for a budget-friendly alternative, or simply wanting to try something new, this walnut pesto is really delicious & flavorful. Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy 🌿✨
Homemade Pesto Without Pine Nuts (5 Minute Recipe)
Ingredients
Method
- In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine fresh basil, walnuts, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can adjust the texture by adding more or less oil.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, or transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to one week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Enjoy!
Hanna says
I don’t typically love walnuts but really enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for sharing & changing my mind!