This Nut Free Pesto Recipe is absolutely delicious! A 5 Ingredient Basil Pesto without Nuts that is perfect on pasta – everyone will love it!

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When it comes to sauces, marinades, and dressings, buying the premade ones from the store may be very convenient, but they will just never be as flavorful as the homemade version, which is why I just had to share our favorite easy pesto recipe!
Pesto is such a fresh, delicious, and versatile sauce that can be used in so many ways (our favorite ways are below if you need some inspiration).

If you love bright flavors and extremely easy recipes, you need to give this nut free pesto a try!
We love this recipe for Pesto without Nuts
There is a lot to love about this pesto recipe. It’s one of our favorites because it’s:
- Easy to Make – Put all ingredients in a food processor and blend… really, that’s it!!
- Simple Ingredients – This recipe only has 5 fresh ingredients for an incredibly tasty sauce!
- Versatile Serving Options – You can serve nut free pesto in so many ways. Our favorites and recommendations are below.
What is Pesto?
Pesto is a condiment typically made from olive oil, pine nuts, cheese and basil.
Does pesto always have nuts in it? Pesto doesn’t always have nuts in it, but it typically does. You can easily make it without nuts.
What does pesto taste like? Pesto tastes like a creamy basil sauce!
Pesto Recipe (Nut Free) Ingredients
To make nut free pesto you’ll need:
You can find substitutions for all of these ingredients below in the green shaded box.

How to Make Pesto Without Nuts
- In a small blender or food processor combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth.
- Serve over your favorite pasta and enjoy


Substitutions for Homemade Pesto without Nuts
Olive Oil: You can substitute avocado oil for olive oil but we don’t recommend it.
Basil: I haven’t tried this recipe with any other herbs, but I think parsley would work.
Parmesan Cheese: We don’t recommend substituting parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Basil Pesto Without Nuts
There are countless ways to use nut free pesto. Here are some of our favorites:
- on your favorite pasta (it would be delicious on ricotta cavatelli)
- in our Whole 30 Pesto Chicken Zucchini Noodles Recipe
- as pizza sauce, instead of marinara. It would be delicious on our Keto Pizza!
- on top of baked chicken breast or salmon
- as a marinade for veggies or chicken
- as a dip for veggies
Nut Free Pesto FAQ
Yes, you can make pesto without nuts! All you need to make nut free pesto is basil, olive oil, cheese & spices.
You can use extra cheese and herbs instead of nuts in pesto. The cheese provides fattiness and texture that nuts do.
You can eat pesto hot or cold! It’s up to you.
Yes, you can heat up pesto. It’s delicious warm or cold.
How to Store this Pesto Recipe without Nuts
Can you freeze pesto?: This will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezing: You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. We like these Souper Cubes containers for freezing – code CLEANEATINGCOUPLE works to save $$ on our favorite silicone molds!

Other healthy pasta recipes:
Looking for other easy meals? Check out these 40+ Healthy Easy Dinner Recipes. Click here to grab our free healthy 30 minute dinners cookbook.

Nut Free Pesto
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small blender or food processor combine all ingredients.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve over your favorite pasta and enjoy
Video

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