I whipped up an Easy Basil Pesto Recipe Nut Free using fresh basil leaves, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The lively blend pairs beautifully with pasta, pizza, and veggies while offering a fresh flavor twist without nuts. I love how it delivers garden-fresh goodness in every bite.
I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen lately and I’m super excited to share my latest find—a Quick And Easy Nut Free Pesto that totally surprised me. I’ve always loved pesto but had to skip the nuts because of allergies, so I put together this recipe using only 4 ingredients.
It starts with 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed for that vibrant herb vibe. Then, I add in 2 garlic cloves, roughly minced to bring a kick of flavor that really makes it pop.
A steady drizzle of 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil helps blend everything together and gives a smooth texture, and of course, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ties it all in with a rich, savory finish. This isn’t just any pesto; it’s a Basic Pesto Recipe and an Easy Basil Pesto Recipe Nut Free version that’s just as exciting as the classic ones.
Trust me, this Nut Free Pesto Basil recipe will have you rethinking traditional blends.
Why I Like this Recipe
1. I really like this recipe because it’s super easy and quick to whip up, even on days when I’m in a rush.
2. I love the fresh basil and garlic combo since it gives off an amazing aroma that fills my entire kitchen.
3. I appreciate that it’s nut free, which means everyone in my family can enjoy it without worry.
4. I enjoy how versatile it is—I can toss it with pasta, drizzle it on pizza, or even use it to spice up chicken and veggies.
Ingredients
- Basil: bursting with flavor and vitamins that lifts the pesto to a new level.
- Garlic: provides a punch of flavor and offers heart friendly benefits.
- Extra virgin olive oil: adds smooth richness and healthy fats that make sauce velvety.
- Parmesan: supplies protein and a savory salty kick that perfects the blend.
- Basil’s natural oils contribute antioxidants improving overall health and taste.
- Garlic’s potent compounds can boost immunity albeit its sharp bite.
- Parmesan brings a creamy texture and umami depth while balancing basil’s brightness.
- All ingredients combine for vibrant, easy, healthy nut free pesto with bold flavors.
- Simple yet flavorful ingredient choices make this recipe a fast everyday delight.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 2 garlic cloves, roughly minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make this
1. Wash the basil leaves and pat them dry before you start.
2. Put the basil leaves and minced garlic into a food processor or blender.
3. Pulse them a few times so they just get chopped up.
4. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil as you’re blending to help everything come together.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and blend a little bit more until it’s mixed just right.
6. Give your pesto a quick taste and, if you like, add a little more garlic or cheese to suit your taste.
7. Once it’s all blended, scoop the pesto out into a clean bowl.
8. Serve it up on your favorite pasta, pizza, chicken or veggies and enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. A food processor or blender to chop up the basil and garlic
2. A knife and cutting board for mincing the garlic if needed
3. Measuring cups for the olive oil and Parmesan cheese
4. A spatula to help scrape down the sides during blending
5. A clean bowl to scoop and serve the finished pesto
FAQ
Quick And Easy Nut Free Pesto Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you dont have fresh basil leaves, try using fresh spinach or arugula. They work pretty well even tho the flavour might be a bit different.
- If you’re out of garlic cloves, you can use garlic powder (start with about a quarter teaspoon per clove) or even roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil can be swapped with avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Both of these oils bring in a light taste and keep the consistency smooth.
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano is a good replacement if you want a sharper kick in your pesto.
Pro Tips
1. Make sure to completely dry your basil leaves before using them. A bit of extra water can mess up the texture of your pesto and make it thin and runny instead of creamy.
2. When you pulse the basil and garlic in the food processor, dont overdo it. Keeping some texture in the mix gives your pesto a fresher taste and a more interesting mouthfeel.
3. Drizzle the olive oil slowly while pulsing rather than just dumping it all in. This helps the ingredients blend better and makes your sauce smoother.
4. Always taste your pesto before serving it out to the pasta or pizza. Sometimes you might need a little extra garlic or cheese to really bring out the flavor.

Quick And Easy Nut Free Pesto Recipe
I whipped up an Easy Basil Pesto Recipe Nut Free using fresh basil leaves, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The lively blend pairs beautifully with pasta, pizza, and veggies while offering a fresh flavor twist without nuts. I love how it delivers garden-fresh goodness in every bite.
4
servings
296
kcal
Equipment: 1. A food processor or blender to chop up the basil and garlic
2. A knife and cutting board for mincing the garlic if needed
3. Measuring cups for the olive oil and Parmesan cheese
4. A spatula to help scrape down the sides during blending
5. A clean bowl to scoop and serve the finished pesto
Ingredients
-
2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
-
2 garlic cloves, roughly minced
-
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Wash the basil leaves and pat them dry before you start.
- Put the basil leaves and minced garlic into a food processor or blender.
- Pulse them a few times so they just get chopped up.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil as you're blending to help everything come together.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and blend a little bit more until it's mixed just right.
- Give your pesto a quick taste and, if you like, add a little more garlic or cheese to suit your taste.
- Once it's all blended, scoop the pesto out into a clean bowl.
- Serve it up on your favorite pasta, pizza, chicken or veggies and enjoy!
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 54g
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 296kcal
- Fat: 31.5g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 3.4g
- Monounsaturated: 20.8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 350IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 0.5mg