Nut-Free Classic Green Pesto

Elevate your pasta dishes, sandwiches, or salads with this vibrant Nut-Free Classic Green Pesto, a twist on the beloved Italian staple. Made with fresh basil and baby spinach for a nutrient-packed, greener take, this pesto swaps traditional nuts for a nut-free blend that's perfect for those with allergies or preferences. Grated Parmesan adds creamy depth, while fresh garlic, tangy lemon juice, and extra-virgin olive oil tie it all together in a silky, flavorful sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, this easy pesto recipe is ideal for quick weeknight meals or meal prep. Whip it up for a zesty, homemade condiment that keeps for up to a week in the fridge! Perfect for nut-free pesto, basil pesto without nuts, and allergy-friendly Italian recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 40/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Fresh baby spinach leaves
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Begin by washing the basil and spinach leaves thoroughly and patting them dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2

Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them into smaller pieces to make blending easier.

Step 3

In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, spinach leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, and lemon juice.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture a few times until the leaves and garlic are finely chopped.

Step 5

With the food processor running on a low setting, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil, allowing it to emulsify with the other ingredients for a smooth consistency.

Step 6

Once combined, stop the processor, and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 7

Add the salt and black pepper, then blend the mixture one last time until smooth, adjusting seasoning to taste if necessary.

Step 8

Transfer the nut-free pesto to a clean jar or container. It's ready to use immediately, or it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	250.6 grams (250.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1244

Total Fat 131.50g	169%
Saturated Fat 24.50g	123%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 1880mg	82%
Total Carbohydrate 6.50g	2%
Dietary Fiber 2.20g	8%
Total Sugars 0.80g
Protein 18.40g	37%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 526mg	40%
Iron 2mg	12%
Potassium 302mg	6%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 92.2%

Protein: 5.7%

Carbs: 2.0%