Nut-Free Tomato with Pesto
Brighten up your table with this easy and flavorful Nut-Free Tomato with Pesto recipe! Featuring juicy cherry tomatoes paired with a creamy, herbaceous pesto made entirely without nuts, this dish is a perfect choice for those with nut allergies or anyone looking for a fresh twist on a classic. The secret lies in toasted sunflower seeds, which lend a subtle nuttiness to the vibrant blend of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and colorful dish is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it as a light appetizer, a refreshing side, or even a main course for a casual lunch. Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight meals, this nut-allergy-friendly recipe is sure to become a new household favorite!
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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
Directions
Step 1
Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly, then cut them in half and set aside.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a little more salt or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Step 6
Arrange the halved tomatoes on a serving plate. Drizzle or dollop the nut-free pesto over the tomatoes generously.
Step 7
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
| Serving size | 711.6 grams (711.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1017 |
| Total Fat 90.80g | 116% |
| Saturated Fat 16.20g | 81% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 16.50g | |
| Cholesterol 24mg | 8% |
| Sodium 1669mg | 73% |
| Total Carbohydrate 37.10g | 13% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.90g | 50% |
| Total Sugars 14.80g | |
| Protein 27.70g | 55% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 514mg | 40% |
| Iron 6mg | 33% |
| Potassium 1874mg | 40% |
Source of Calories