Nut-Free Classic Pesto Dressing
Bright, vibrant, and allergy-friendly, this Nut-Free Classic Pesto Dressing is a fresh twist on the beloved Italian staple. Made with fragrant basil leaves, zesty lemon juice, and a creamy blend of Parmesan cheese and sunflower seeds, this recipe delivers all the bold, herbaceous flavor of traditional pesto—without the pine nuts. Perfectly balanced with aromatic garlic and high-quality olive oil, this quick 10-minute preparation creates a luscious, nut-free pesto that is ideal for drizzling over salads, tossing with pasta, or spreading on sandwiches. Keto-friendly and kid-approved, this versatile dressing is sure to become a pantry staple while catering to nut-free diets and enhancing any meal with its robust, Mediterranean-inspired taste.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup Pine nut alternative (sunflower seeds)
Instructions
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Shake off the excess water and pat them dry using a paper towel.
Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them if desired for easier blending.
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, sunflower seeds, lemon juice, and salt.
Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are coarsely chopped, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. The pesto should have a creamy consistency.
Season the pesto with ground black pepper and more salt to taste, if needed.
Transfer the Nut-Free Pesto Dressing to a jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Before using, stir the pesto dressing and adjust seasoning, if necessary, as resting can alter the intensity of flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1382 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 137.4 g | 176% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.6 g | 133% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 1303 mg | 57% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.4 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.9 g | ||
| Protein | 26.7 g | 53% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 656 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 630 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
