Pesto (Oil-Free, Nut-Free)

This Pesto is oil-free and nut-free. It's light, flavorful, and features nutrient-rich pumpkin seeds for a creamy, satisfying texture. Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor, it's perfect for pasta, salads, grain bowls, or even stirred into soups. A wholesome, allergy-friendly twist on the classic.

Pesto recipe without nuts in a white bowl with a gold spoon.

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Meal prep-friendly and freezer-friendly. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy use in various dishes. The secret ingredient-tomato-adds a hint of umami that takes the flavor to the next level.

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👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients & Health Benefits
🥬 Substitutions
📖 How to Make Pesto Without Nuts or Oil
✔️ Expert Tips
🌿 More Healthy Sauce Recipes
🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
🫙 Related Recipes
👩🏽‍🍳 Made this recipe?
⚖️ Convert the Recipe to Metric (g & mL)
Oil-Free & Nut-Free Pesto Recipe
🛍️ Shop Recipe Cookware and Ingredients
💬 Comments

👩🏼‍🌾 Ingredients & Health Benefits

Below, I share ingredient notes from both a nutrition expert's and trained chef's perspective.

Garlic, spinach, basil, artichoke hearts, pumpkin seeds, lemon, and tomato.

Tomato: Adds umami and natural juiciness, helping the pesto blend smoothly. Roma or plum tomatoes work best for a thicker texture. For larger tomatoes, remove the core and add gradually to avoid excess water.
Basil:The main flavor. It brings that classic fresh, aromatic, slightly sweet pesto taste.
Spinach: Balances the basil with a milder flavor while adding body and a deeper green color.
Lemon: Brightens the pesto and sharpens all the flavors, preventing it from tasting flat.
Garlic: Adds a bold, savory edge that cuts through the richness.
Pumpkin seeds: Provide structure and creaminess, replacing nuts while keeping the pesto rich and satisfying.
Marinated artichoke hearts: Add tanginess and depth, enhancing the savory flavor and helping round out the texture.

See the printable recipe card below for quantities.

🥬 Substitutions

This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt. Below are some simple ingredient substitutions.

Spinach - substitute with kale, arugula, or leafy greens
Marinated artichoke hearts - omit as desired
Nutritional yeast - Add 2 teaspoons to give the Pesto Without Nuts a cheesy, umami-rich flavor. Choose a reputable brand without detectable lead, such as Bob's Red Mill, Bragg, Dr. Fuhrman, Red Star, or NOW Foods' nutritional yeast.
Tomato - Use Roma, plum, or vine-ripened tomatoes. If using larger varieties like beefsteak, remove the tough core and add it in small batches to avoid making the pesto too watery.

📖 How to Make Pesto Without Nuts or Oil

The complete recipe with exact amounts is below. These additional tips will help you get the best results.

Basil leaves, spinach, tomatoes, and garlic in a food processor.

Pulse the ingredients without the pumpkin seeds: Transfer the basil leaves, spinach leaves, tomato, artichoke hearts, garlic, and lemon juice to the canister of a food processor. Pulse until roughly chopped.

Pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, basil leaves, spinach, and garlic chopped in a food processor.

Add the pumpkin seeds and process until smooth.

Pesto recipe without nuts in a white bowl.

Optional: Add salt to taste and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Superfood salad in a black bowl with pesto.

For serving: This pesto is delicious with pasta, blended into pasta sauces, stirred into soups, or even used as a salad dressing. For a perfect pairing, try it with my Superfood Salad, High-Protein Pasta Sauce, and High-Protein Pasta with Peas.

✔️ Expert Tips

Use a medium-sized tomato for this recipe to avoid it becoming too watery. If using a larger tomato, add it in batches and adjust as needed.
Balance the Flavor: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning. Extra lemon juice, garlic, or miso can enhance the flavor.
Texture Control: For a thicker pesto, reduce the amount of liquid (like tomato or lemon juice). For a smoother consistency, blend longer or add a splash of water.
Nutritional yeast is a fantastic addition to this pesto if you're looking for a cheesy, umami-rich flavor. It's also a great source of B vitamins and adds a creamy texture without any dairy. Just a tablespoon or two can take the flavor to the next level!
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Divide the pesto into small portions and freeze for quick, ready-to-use servings.

🌿 More Healthy Sauce Recipes

Try my 5-minute Hemp Seed Dressing (oil-free) might be the best dressing you'll ever taste! It's quick, versatile, and loaded with greens for an extra antioxidant boost.

This 5-minute Salad Dressing for Diabetics is packed with flavor and health benefits.

Try my Healthy Peanut Sauce for Noodles. This wholesome peanut dressing is dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and easy to make in just minutes.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

How do you make pesto creamy without oil?

You can achieve a creamy texture without oil by using ingredients like avocado, silken tofu, or a juicy tomato. These add creaminess while keeping the recipe lighter and healthier.

Can I use pesto as a salad dressing?

Absolutely! Toss your favorite salad in Pesto Without Nuts. Add a drizzle of tahini or olive oil for a more creamy dressing.

How do I prevent pesto from turning brown?

To keep pesto green, blend it quickly to avoid overheating, and store it with a layer of plastic wrap or olive oil on top to reduce air exposure. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to help maintain its color.

Is nut-free, oil-free pesto healthy?

Yes, pesto without nuts or oil is a lighter alternative to traditional pesto. It's lower in calories and fat while still packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber from ingredients like spinach, basil, and tomato. The healthy fats in pumpkin seeds also aid nutrient absorption, making it a well-rounded and healthful choice.