Pesto without Pine Nuts (FODMAP-friendly and low-carb)

Pesto without pine nuts in a ramekin with a silver spoon in it.

4.50 from 2 votes

Pesto without Pine Nuts (FODMAP-friendly and low-carb)

Create a vibrant pesto without pine nuts that will liven up most any recipe. It’s rich and savory with a light tartness of fresh lemon or preserved lemon paste. The fresh taste of herbs brighten salads, pastas, veggies and so much more. This recipe is a keto-friendly, low-FODMAP and Whole30 pesto with an AIP variation. It’s a versatile budget-friendly recipe you will love!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Sauces, Dressings and Dips

Cuisine: American, Italian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Keyword: nut-free pesto, pesto no nuts, pesto without pine nuts

Method: No cook

Special Diet: AIP, Keto, Low-Carb, Low-FODMAP, Paleo

Servings: cup

Calories: 78kcal

Author: Tracey Hatch-Rizzi

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil
½ cup parmesan cheese
¼ cup pumpkin seeds optional. Or use nuts or seeds of choice - see Notes.
½ cup olive oil or other neutral oil
½ teaspoon salt I like to use kala namak black salt. See my Kala Namak Ingredient Spotlight.
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice or ½ teaspoon preserved lemon paste. Read more in my Preserved Lemon Paste Ingredient Spotlight.

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Add the basil, cheese, nuts or seeds (if using), lemon juice, salt and pepper to your food processor or blender.
Pulse until finely chopped.
Scrape down the sides and add the olive oil.
Pulse until everything is blended together and smooth in consistency
Season to taste. If adding additional seasonings, pulse one or two more times.

Notes

Expert tips

If using an oil other than olive oil, feel free to add it at the beginning, when combining the other ingredients in the food processor or blender. Olive oil can develop a slightly bitter taste when blended too much, so it’s always best to add it at the end to ensure minimal processing.
For a thinner pesto, simply add more olive oil one tablespoon at a time. Be conservative when adding more oil because a little goes a long way. You can add more if you need to, but you can’t remove it once you’ve poured it.

To make an AIP pesto

Make a bold, fresh, nut-free dairy-free pesto that’s a great addition to so many recipes. It’s also a perfect vegan pesto option, as well. Simply eliminate the parmesan, black pepper and any nuts or seeds.

For a cheesy flavor, add nutritional yeast as a parmesan cheese substitute. 1-2 tablespoons adds a ton of flavor.

Variations

Use different seeds - use hemp or sunflower seeds in place of pumpkin seeds
Add your favorite nut - Swap seeds out for your favorite nuts. See suggestions for Substitutes for Pine Nuts for great options.
Different herbs or leafy green vegetables - cilantro, parsley, spinach, kale or even beet greens
Try a different cheese - such as asiago, manchego or romano
Elevate the flavor - add sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, charred jalapeno or add in other seasonings such as red pepper or Aleppo pepper flakes or some nutritional yeast
Add lemon zest - for a more pronounced lemon flavor
Use different salts – smoked salt or truffle salt is amazing
Try a different oil – garlic infused oil or truffle oil are tasty options

How to use

Swirl it in - stir into your favorite soup
Pizza base - replace tomato sauce for a perfect homemade pizza
Top your favorite protein – use as a topping for fish, chicken or veggies before cooking
Mix with eggs - use in omelets or mix into scrambled eggs with ham for a fun green-eggs-and-ham St. Patrick’s Day breakfast. It’s healthy green food!
Add to pasta or rice - toss with your favorite pasta as a tasty green pasta sauce or mix into cauliflower rice
Make a spread - mix with mayonnaise and use as a spread on burgers, sandwiches and more. Try a making a pesto grilled cheese!
Avocado toast - spread on low-FODMAP Sandwich Thins or some 90 Second Parmesan Oregano Bread with guacamole, tomatoes and capers for an extra special breakfast or lunch
Dip - this makes a super low-FODMAP dip
Make chicken or tuna pesto salad - simply mix in with your favorite canned tuna or chicken to top lettuce, make a wrap or quick sandwich with Low Carb Sandwich Thins

How to store

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze in freezer-safe containers, freezer bags or in ice cube trays. Once the ice cube trays are frozen, pop out the cubes and store in a freezer-safe ip top bag.

Nutrition