No pine nuts? No problem. This bold and flavorful Nut-Free Basil Pesto brings all the herbaceous, garlicky punch you love — without the nuts. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or stirring into soups. It’s fresh, cheesy, peppery, and ridiculously easy to whip up in minutes.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Makes about ¾ cup
Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 cup packed basil leaves
- ⅓ cup olive oil (plus more if needed)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- Kosher salt, as needed
Instructions
Step 1: Chop the Garlic & Basil
Add the chopped garlic and basil leaves to a food processor or blender.
Pulse a few times until everything is roughly chopped.
Step 2: Blend with Oil & Pepper
Pour in the olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper.
Blend until well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
If it looks too thick, drizzle in a little more olive oil to loosen it up.
Step 3: Add the Cheese & Season
Add in the grated cheese and pulse again until everything is blended into a smooth, vibrant pesto.
Taste and season with kosher salt if needed.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Freeze-Friendly: Spoon pesto into ice cube trays or mini muffin tins for easy single-serve portions.
- Storage Hack: Spread it thin in a zip-top bag, freeze flat, and break off chunks as needed.
- Label Everything: Trust us, all green blobs look the same in the freezer. Write it down!
Equipment Needed
- Food processor or high-powered blender
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Portion into ice cube trays or freezer bags. Use within 2 months.
- To Use: Thaw in the fridge overnight or stir directly into hot pasta to melt.
Made this nut-free pesto magic? Toss it, spread it, or spoon it onto something delicious — then tag @unkies_seasoning so we can see how you bring the flavor!