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–+ servings
Pesto Sauce Without Nuts

Vibrant Pesto Sauce Without Nuts in Just 5 Minutes

This nut-free pesto sauce is a vibrant addition to any dish, made with fresh basil and pumpkin seeds.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Uncategorized
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds Provides a creamy texture and nutty flavor; substitute with sunflower seeds or hemp seeds for variation.
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves Essential for traditional pesto flavor; no substitutes recommended for authenticity.
  • ½ cup fresh parsley Enhances flavor and freshness; can be substituted with more basil if desired.
  • 1-2 cloves garlic Use fresh cloves for the best taste, or dried garlic powder as a substitute.
For Flavor
  • ¼ cup nutritional yeast Optional; offers a cheesy flavor, making it ideal for vegan diets.
  • 1 unit lemon juice Provides acidity to balance flavors and brightness; lime juice can be substituted.
For Texture
  • ½ cup olive oil Binds ingredients and delivers richness; substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
  • to taste teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor.

Equipment

  • food processor

Method
 

Preparation Instructions
  1. In a food processor, add pumpkin seeds, fresh basil leaves, fresh parsley, and garlic. If using, sprinkle in nutritional yeast and pour in the lemon juice. Pulse for about 15-20 seconds until everything is roughly chopped and well combined.
  2. Continue blending until you achieve a coarse texture, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides if necessary.
  3. With the processor running on low, slowly drizzle in olive oil through the feeder tube until emulsified and creamy.
  4. Gradually add water while blending, adjusting until you achieve a thick yet spreadable texture.
  5. Taste and season with salt, then blend briefly to combine. Adjust with more lemon juice if desired to brighten flavors.
  6. Transfer pesto sauce into a clean, airtight container. Serve immediately or store for later use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 7gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best freshness, store in an airtight container. A layer of olive oil on top helps preserve its vibrant color.

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