I adore making Nut Free Pesto that celebrates fresh basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Its vibrant flavor makes it a perfect choice for pasta, pizza, poultry or vegetables. I find it a delightful way to enjoy garden goodness at any meal. Every bite brings joyful smiles.

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I’ve always been on the hunt for a quick and simple herb recipe that delivers on flavor and this Quick and Easy Nut Free Pesto really hit the spot for me. I discovered it on one of those frantic days when I needed to whip something up fast without compromising on taste.

You start with 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, packed tight, and add 2 garlic cloves, peeled to bring that extra zing. Drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and mix with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create this vibrant sauce that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

I love how this nut free pesto manages to embody the spirit of a Basic Pesto Recipe while still feeling like an Easy Basil Pesto Recipe Nut Free masterpiece perfect on pasta, pizza, poultry or veggies. Its a fresh basil twist that shows you really dont need nuts to get that perfect pesto flavor.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because its super fast and easy to make especially when ive got no time to cook something fancy. I like how the mix of fresh basil and garlic creates a really bold flavor that totally stands out. Its also nut free which is perfect cause i dont have to worry about any nut allergies in my family. On top of that, i appreciate the versatility since i can toss it on pasta, pizza, poultry or even veggies and it always tastes awesome. Lastly, i dig how only 4 ingredients come together to make this quick and tasty sauce, it feels like a little win in the kitchen every time i make it.

Ingredients

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Fresh basil leaves provide antioxidants, vitamins and fiber while giving a vibrant, herbaceous taste.
Its natural sweetness adds brightness and an inviting aroma that light ups any dish.
Garlic cloves offer heart healthy compounds and antioxidants, adding a zesty, slightly spicy kick.
Their pungent flavor deepens the pesto overall taste profile and aromatic quality.
Extra virgin olive oil, rich in healthy fats, lends a smooth and tangy finish.
It boosts nutrient absorption and enhances the pesto creamy, luscious texture perfectly.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese supplies protein and calcium while infusing a savory umami punch.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make this

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1. First, wash the basil leaves and pat them dry then peel the garlic cloves.

2. Place the basil leaves and garlic in your food processor.

3. Pulse them a few times until they’re roughly chopped.

4. Slowly add the extra virgin olive oil while the food processor is running.

5. Once the basil and garlic are well combined, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

6. Continue blending until you get a smooth sauce. If it feels too thick, you can add a little more oil.

7. Taste your pesto and add a pinch of salt if needed.

8. Transfer the pesto to a bowl and serve it over pasta, pizza, poultry or veggies.

9. Enjoy your quick and easy nut free pesto, perfect for any meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Food processor
2. Knife and cutting board
3. Measuring cups
4. Grater
5. Mixing bowl
6. Spatula or spoon for stirring and tasting

FAQ

How do I store leftover pesto? A: You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. Covering it with a thin layer of olive oil helps it last longer.

Can I use a different herb instead of basil? A: It's best to stick with fresh basil for the classic flavor, though you can experiment with a mix of herbs if you want a twist.

Is this recipe safe for people with nut allergies? A: Yep, it's totally nut free so people with nut allergies can enjoy it without worry.

How long does it take to make this pesto? A: The recipe is really quick and usually takes about 5 minutes or so to blend everything together.

Can i add any extra ingredients for extra flavor? A: Sure, you can toss in some lemon zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of extra zing.

Quick And Easy Nut Free Pesto Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Fresh basil leaves: You can use baby spinach or arugula, but it might change the flavor a bit
Garlic cloves: If you dont have fresh garlic try 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove
Extra virgin olive oil: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil are good substitutes if you need a milder flavor
Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano works well or use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy free option

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your basil leaves are really dry before blendin them cuz any extra water can make your pesto all runny and less flavorful.
2. Pour your olive oil in slowly while the food processor is on so you get a smooth sauce without over-blending, which can sometimes ruin the texture.
3. Taste as you go and add salt bit by bit – sometimes the Parmesan can be already pretty salty so you don’t wanna overdo it.
4. If your food processor is super powerful, try pulsing in short bursts instead of one long run to keep a nice texture and not turn your pesto into a paste.