Brighten up your table with this easy and flavorful Nut-Free Tomato with Pesto recipe! Featuring juicy cherry tomatoes paired with a creamy, herbaceous pesto made entirely without nuts, this dish is a perfect choice for those with nut allergies or anyone looking for a fresh twist on a classic. The secret lies in toasted sunflower seeds, which lend a subtle nuttiness to the vibrant blend of fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and a splash of zesty lemon juice. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and colorful dish is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it as a light appetizer, a refreshing side, or even a main course for a casual lunch. Perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight meals, this nut-allergy-friendly recipe is sure to become a new household favorite!
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Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly, then cut them in half and set aside.
To make the nut-free pesto, begin by toasting the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool completely.
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted sunflower seeds, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic clove, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture forms a coarse paste.
Gradually drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while blending, until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. If necessary, scrape down the sides of the processor to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a little more salt or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Arrange the halved tomatoes on a serving plate. Drizzle or dollop the nut-free pesto over the tomatoes generously.
Optionally, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for presentation. Serve immediately or chill for 5 minutes before serving for a slightly cooler flavor.
Serving size | (711.6g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1016.8 |
Total Fat 90.8g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 16.2g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.5g | |
Cholesterol 24mg | 0% |
Sodium 1668.6mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 37.1g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 13.9g | 0% |
Total Sugars 14.8g | |
Protein 27.7g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 513.8mg | 0% |
Iron 5.9mg | 0% |
Potassium 1874.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories