Nut-Free Classic Pesto Dressing
Transform your favorite dishes with this Nut-Free Classic Pesto Dressing, a creamy and flavorful twist on the beloved Italian sauce. Perfect for those with nut allergies, this recipe replaces traditional pine nuts with sunflower seeds, creating a rich and nutty flavor without the allergens. Vibrant fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of garlic come together with grated Parmesan and high-quality olive oil, resulting in a silky, herbaceous dressing that’s ready in just 10 minutes. Ideal as a salad dressing, pasta sauce, or dip, this versatile nut-free pesto is a must-have for quick, healthy meals. Plus, it’s easy to store—just refrigerate and enjoy all week long!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.25 cup Pine nut alternative (sunflower seeds)
Directions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Shake off the excess water and pat them dry using a paper towel.
Step 2
Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them if desired for easier blending.
Step 3
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, sunflower seeds, lemon juice, and salt.
Step 4
Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are coarsely chopped, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.
Step 5
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. The pesto should have a creamy consistency.
Step 6
Season the pesto with ground black pepper and more salt to taste, if needed.
Step 7
Transfer the Nut-Free Pesto Dressing to a jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Step 8
Before using, stir the pesto dressing and adjust seasoning, if necessary, as resting can alter the intensity of flavors.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (267.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1407.3 |
| Total Fat 140.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 27.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 10.6g | |
| Cholesterol 44.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1507.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 16.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 4.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.9g | |
| Protein 24.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 543.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 365.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories