Basil Pesto (Nut-Free!)

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!