If you're a fan of pesto you have to try this easy Almond Pesto! It takes just minutes to make with a handful of ingredients. Plus it can be used in so many ways as a sauce, dip and spread. This pesto recipe without pine nuts is definitely a keeper.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Family Food Kitchen
Pesto is an absolute staple in my house and the traditional simple ingredients are of course basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
Unsurprisingly this recipe came about one day when I'd run out of pine nuts. Can you make easy pesto with no pine nuts? Absolutely - and it still tastes divine.
What's more, using almonds in pesto is a less expensive option and you're more likely to already have them in your pantry.
Why You Should Make This Almond Basil Pesto?
- Your own homemade Almond Pesto is the ultimate easy fast food which comes together in minutes.
- In my experience kids love pesto! A spoon of pesto seems to magically help the veggies go down, which is probably why it gets served so often in my house.
- Pesto is a heathy recipe that is just so useful. Perfect as a sauce with pasta, chicken and grilled meats, and also delicious as a spread or dip - is there anything it doesn't go with?
- Pesto also freezes like a dream - so it's a great make ahead dish.
- If you love pesto as much as I do why not try my Easy Kale Pesto for a different twist. It has so much flavor and is a great way to get more leafy greens.
How to Make Basil Pesto with Almond:
Find the full printable recipe below.
Grind the almonds and garlic to small pieces in a food processor.
Add the basil leaves, cheese and salt and process until chopped but still chunky.
With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil.
Season again if needed and add a little water if you want a runnier pesto.
What other nuts besides raw almonds can I use for Pesto?
Whilst pine nuts are traditionally used in Pesto, you can substitute them with any other raw nut, like I've done here with almonds.
Walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, pecans and even peanuts can make a delicious homemade pesto.
Don't stop at nuts either. A handful of seeds like pumpkin, sunflower seeds or sesame can also be added to the mix and will give that nutty flavor you need.
Can I make Pesto without a Food Processor?
A food processor does make pesto in minutes which is great for whipping up a quick mid week dinner. This pesto is actually made in less than the time it takes to boil a pot of pasta!
However, if you don't own a food processor, no problem. You can make my great tasting pesto recipe with almonds using either a blender, a stick blender or with a little extra elbow grease and a pestle and mortar.
Variations of this Pesto Recipe with Almonds:
- Aside from swapping out the almonds for other nuts, you can also use other herbs to make pesto. Parsley pesto, cilantro, mint, tarragon and oregano are great substitutes, or try a blend of different herbs.
- Don't be limited to just using herbs either, you can add leafy greens to a pesto. Baby spinach leaves, swiss chard, kale and wild garlic (ramp) leaves all make great tasting homemade pesto.
- To make Almond Pesto vegetarian just use a vegetarian equivalent of Parmesan cheese.
- To make vegan almond pesto be sure to use a vegan equivalent cheese.
Tips For Making the Best Almond Pesto
This is a really adaptable sauce so use what you have in your refrigerator and larder.
Once made, put the pesto into a glass jar or tupperware ware with a tight fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep there for up to 5 days.
Pesto is best served at room temperature so get it out of the fridge just before you want to eat it.
If you like a runnier pesto add a splash of water to the mixture.
How To Serve Almond Basil Pesto?
This simple recipe makes a versatile sauce, and for a quick mid week dinner I like to serve it stirred through some freshly cooked pasta and topped with a little grated Parmesan cheese.
It also works with other ingredients and tastes great in my spring fresh Pesto Prosciutto Pasta. Or for something a little different, try my Super Green Gnocchi with Pea, Pesto and Broccoli.
Spread some pesto over salmon fillets, top with breadcrumbs and bake in the oven for a great tasting baked salmon dish.
Stir a spoon of pesto through your Italian Minestrone Soup for an added punch of flavor.
Like traditional pesto recipes, this sauce is also great spooned on the top of pizzas.
The flavors in pesto work well with vegetables, seafood and chicken. The list of uses is endless, so get creative.
How To Reheat Basil Pesto with Almonds?
Pesto is a flavorful sauce and is stirred through a pasta sauce rather than cooked. It is best served fresh as reheating will cause the basil to darken and you will lose that lovely green vibrancy.
How to Freeze Pesto?
My almond basil pesto is really easy to freeze. Double up the recipe, using some now and freezing the rest for later. Simply decant the sauce into airtight container and put in the freezer where it will store for up to 3 months. Another tip is to freeze it in a covered ice cube tray. That way you will have it saved in portions, ready to go.
Pin This Almond Fresh Pesto Recipe For Later
What Do You Think?!
I'd love to know what you think about this recipe! I'd be so grateful if you scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave a star rating and comment.
Don't forget to go over to Facebook and Instagram and make sure you're following me so you can join in the chat. And remember to save this recipe to your Pinterest too!
More Easy Sauces & Side Recipe Ideas
Printable Recipe
Almond Pesto
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Whole Almonds
- 1 clove Garlic
- 3 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan or Vegetarian Alternative
- ½ tsp Sea Salt
- ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Black Pepper
- dash Water - optional
Instructions
- Place the almonds and garlic into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until everything is ground into small pieces.
- Add the basil leaves, cheese and salt and pulse again, until everything is finely minced. Be careful not to over process and make the sauce too smooth.
- With the motor running, slowly add the olive oil.
- Taste and season again if needed. If you like a runnier pesto add a dash or two of water and stir again.
- Serve.
Chloe Edges says
I've always been a die hard pine nut girl so I can't wait to try something different!
Jo Keohane says
Hope you like it Chloe - thanks for the comment!
Stefanie says
Made my third recipe of yours third night in a row. This pesto came together in 5 minutes. Whipped it up while doing math homework with one child. Tasted complex - crunchy yet bright flavor profile. 10 out of 10.
Jo Keohane says
Hi Stefanie, thank you so much for your lovely comment! So glad this was a winner in your house.
Debra J Aho says
Can you store this in small jars in the freezer?
Jo Keohane says
Hi Debra - yes you absolutely can! I also store in large ice cube trays too, just cover with some wrap or foil. Thanks for your comment.