If you’re allergic to tree nuts like I am, you may be looking for a pesto that won’t kill you. Well, this basil pesto is packed with flavor and so easy to make — you won’t even miss the pine nuts!
I became allergic to tree nuts when I was 21 years old — I KNOW! The *drama* of knowing what I’m missing 🙁
Anyway, this basil pesto is completely nut free and a perfect addition to anywhere you may use a typical pesto but always felt like you never could.
Uses for Basil Pesto
Use this basil pesto anywhere that you’d use regular pesto, but some of my favorites are:
- Caprese Flatbread with Proscuitto
- Stirred into a pasta dish
- As a bruschetta topping
Basil Pesto Ingredients
This recipe is so simple and can be ready in under 5 minutes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Basil: You’ll need a ton of fresh basil.
Parmiagiano-Reggiano: Freshly grated, of course. But honestly, you can buy the pre-grated Parmiagiano and be just fine here.
Extra virgin olive oil: I like the flavor this brings.
Garlic: I only use one clove because raw garlic can be overpowering, but feel free to add more.
Lemon juice: To brighten up the pesto.
Red pepper flakes: For a little spice.
Salt & Pepper: To make it all pop.
How to Make Nut Free Basil Pesto
Let’s get right into it:
Step 1: Prep your ingredients.
This is so simple! All you’ll have to do is roughly chop your garlic cloves and grate your Parmiagiano-Reggiano to prep.
Step 2: Add everything to a food processor.
Now, just add everything to a food processor and pulse until smooth! Make sure you go in and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula in order to chop everything up. Taste for salt and add a little extra of anything you’d like to make it your own!
Nut Free Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups fresh basil leaves packed
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ lemon juiced
- 3 tbs Parmiagiano-Reggiano grated
- 1 garlic clove roughly chopped
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Add everything to a food processor and chop until smooth, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so you don't miss anything.
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