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Home » Nutrition » Recipes » Nut Free Pesto 

Nut Free Pesto 

By Juliana Crimi, RD October 7 2025

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Classic pesto is made with basil, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts but nuts aren’t always accessible or allergy-friendly. This nut free pesto recipe keeps all the flavour you love while leaving out the nuts.

At the end of summer, my family harvests all of our fresh basil and turns it into big batches of pesto. We fill ice cube trays with it and freeze them, so we’ll have a taste of summer basil ready to enjoy all winter long.

close up shot of basil in white plate

Ingredients

  • 2 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves (about 2 cups, lightly packed)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more as needed)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Add basil, parmesan, garlic, and a pinch of salt to a food processor.
  2. Pulse until roughly chopped.
  3. Add in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    • If the pesto is too thick: add a little more olive oil.
    • If it’s too thin: add a few more basil leaves.
basil in white plate with big block of cheese beside and oil

How to Use

  • Toss with warm pasta for a quick, flavour-packed pesto pasta dinner.
  • Spread on sandwiches or wraps
  • Use as a dip for veggies, crackers, or breadsticks.
  • Stir into soups, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls for extra flavour

Storage Tips

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze pesto in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer-safe bag. Pop one out whenever you need a quick flavour boost!
basil in white plate with big block of cheese beside and oil

FAQ: Nut Free Pesto 

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan alternative.

Can I use a different oil?

Extra virgin olive oil gives the best flavour, but a neutral oil like avocado oil also works.

Can I add lemon juice?

Definitely—it brightens the flavour and helps keep the pesto green. Start with 1–2 teaspoons.

What if I want it less garlicky?

Try starting with 1 clove and adding more to taste. The recipe is flexible!

More Recipes:

  • 2 Ingredient Ranch Dip
  • Nut-Free Pesto with avocado!
  • Pasta in Green Sauce

Recipe

basil in white plate with big block of cheese beside and oil
Juliana Crimi, RD

Nut Free Pesto

Classic pesto is made with basil, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts but nuts aren’t always accessible or allergy-friendly. This nut free pesto recipe keeps all the flavour you love while leaving out the nuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course: dip, sauce
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves about 2 cups, lightly packed
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil plus more as needed
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • Measuring cups
  • Food processor

Method
 

  1. Add basil, parmesan, garlic, and a pinch of salt to a food processor.
  2. Pulse until roughly chopped.
  3. Add in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth
Taste and adjust seasoning.
  1. If the pesto is too thick: add a little more olive oil.
  2. If it’s too thin: add a few more basil leaves.

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Hello and Welcome!

My name is Juliana and I am a Registered Dietitian in Ontario, Canada. On my page I share simple recipes, nutrition tips and more!

My mission is to help people embrace the joy of cooking through simple, wholesome and accessible recipes. I am so happy you are here.

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Juliana Crimi, RD, MHSc

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Toronto, Ontario

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