Nut-Free Tomato with Pesto
Transform your appetizer game with this vibrant Nut-Free Tomato with Pesto recipe that’s perfect for sharing. Featuring juicy cherry tomatoes paired with a smooth and creamy homemade pesto made from toasted sunflower seeds, fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this dish skips traditional nuts for an allergy-friendly twist without compromising on flavor. The nut-free pesto is brightened with a splash of lemon juice and perfectly balanced with extra virgin olive oil, creating an irresistible topping for the sweet, tangy tomatoes. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for entertaining or elevating any meal. Serve it immediately for the freshest taste or chill briefly for a refreshing flair, and don’t forget to garnish with extra basil for a pop of color. Perfect as a light appetizer or a vibrant side dish, this recipe will be your go-to for healthy, flavorful dining!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Cherry tomatoes
- 50 grams Fresh basil leaves
- 50 grams Sunflower seeds
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 whole Garlic clove
- 60 ml Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly, then cut them in half and set aside.
To make the nut-free pesto, begin by toasting the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool completely.
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted sunflower seeds, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic clove, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture forms a coarse paste.
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while blending, until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If necessary, scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a little more salt or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Arrange the halved tomatoes on a serving plate. Drizzle or dollop the nut-free pesto over the tomatoes generously.
Optionally, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for presentation. Serve immediately or chill for 5 minutes before serving for a slightly cooler flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.8 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 1669 mg | 73% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.1 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.9 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.8 g | ||
| Protein | 27.7 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 514 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 1874 mg | 40% | |
*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.
