Pesto Recipe Without Pine Nuts

This Pesto Recipe Without Pine Nuts is a quick and easy sauce that comes together in just 5 minutes with simple, affordable ingredients. Perfect for salad dressings, dips, spreads, or toppings, this fresh and flavorful pesto is way tastier than store-bought versions. If you’re looking for a versatile, budget-friendly pesto without pine nuts, this delicious sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Original post: November 2010 | Updated: September 2019 and January 2025

Why This Recipe Works

• I am always blown away by how easy this pesto recipe without pine nuts is to throw together. It requires 5 minutes of prep and just a few simple ingredients. 
• Fresh pesto tastes great on literally everything. 
• If you’re looking for an easy pesto recipe minus the pine nuts (they can get so expensive and who needs that extra cost?), this is your recipe.
• It’s such a versatile sauce, perfect for salad dressings, dips, toppings, spreads or fillings.
• Way tastier than store-bought pesto!
• This delicious pesto is so fresh and yummy.

Recipe Ingredients

Fresh basil – If basil is not in season, substitute with lightly dried basil, found in the produce aisle at your local grocery store.

Or you can replace basil with 1 cup fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves and 2 tablespoons fresh thyme.

Fresh spinach – Spinach is the perfect addition to this traditional basil pesto recipe because it absorbs flavor from the other ingredients. You can also substitute spinach with other varieties of leafy greens.

Garlic – Replace fresh garlic cloves with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, if desired.

Nuts – Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be used. All of these options will provide that nutty flavor that makes this delicious homemade pesto so delicious. 

​My preferred type of nut to use in this recipe is almonds because I love the flavor and it adds a bit of a crunch to the end result.

Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is preferred, but canola oil can be used as a replacement.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the freshest taste and deliciously cheesy flavor.

Seasonings – Salt and black pepper make the perfect, simple duo!

How To Make This Pesto Recipe Without Pine Nuts

Step 1

Place the following ingredients in the bowl of a food processor:

• Basil
• Spinach
• Garlic
• Almonds (or nuts/seeds of choice)

Pulse until coarsely chopped.

Step 2

With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil and process until smooth.

For a more creamy texture, process until desired texture has been achieved.

Step 3

Transfer the pesto to a bowl and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe Notes

• Throw in additional fresh herbs, as desired, such as chives, parsley or cilantro, for an extra fresh flavor.
• Create a dairy-free pesto by omitting the cheese entirely.
• Add a squirt or two of lemon juice or lemon zest for an added touch of freshness.
• For a nut-free pesto recipe, replace the nuts in the recipe with 3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese!

How Long Does Homemade Pesto Last

Homemade pesto will last for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze Pesto

One of the things I love about pesto is that it freezes great! Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Place the cubes into resealable bags and freeze for up to 6 months. It can also be frozen when stored in a glass jar for up to 9 months.

When ready to thaw, place the bag with the frozen cubes in the fridge overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw each individual frozen cube separately.

Substitute for Pine Nuts in Pesto

• Cashews
• Almonds
• Pistachios
• Sunflower seeds
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Nutritional yeast
• Pumpkin seeds

What To Add To Pesto To Make It Better

• Roasted tomatoes
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Grated mozzarella cheese
• Additional herbs

Uses For Pesto

Probably my favorite thing about pesto is that it is so versatile! It pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Use it as a spread on your next sandwich or wrap.
• Toss a few tablespoons of it with your next batch of pasta.
• Mix it into your next batch of vegetables!
• Use it in place of pizza sauce on your next pizza.
• Mix it into your breakfast eggs.
• Mix it into rice for a fun side dish.
• Use it in your next batch of slow cooker pesto ranch chicken.

More Homemade Sauces

I’m obsessed with making savory homemade sauces! Down with store bought! Here are a handful of my favorites that you are sure to fall in love with. These all make for great gifts, too!

• Enchilada Sauce is more delicious than anything you can buy at the store and it is super easy to make. It only requires a handful of ingredients and is done in 15 minutes, with perfect flavor and consistency.
• Alfredo Sauce is super easy to make and it’s done in under 10 minutes.
• Arby’s Sauce – A copycat recipe of the famous Arby’s Sauce that makes sandwiches sing! This zingy flavorful BBQ style sauce is so delicious
• Pasta Sauce – Spaghetti Sauce is super easy, meaty and hearty when made in an Instant Pot. It is flavorful and quick to prepare, but tastes like is has simmered on the stove all day.
• Taco Sauce – Make your own taco sauce to use in a variety of Mexican dishes, such as tacos, burritos and taco salads. Ditch the store-bought version so you know exactly what goes inside!