Spinach pesto is a healthier, but no less tasty version of the classic basil pesto that everyone knows and loves. This recipe is made without pine nuts or dairy, so it's suitable for vegans and allergy sufferers.
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It never hurts to have an easy-to-whip-up sauce recipe on hand. This spinach pesto fits the bill. You can make it in under five minutes. Then, all you need to do is add it to your favorite pasta, gnocchi or risotto. You can even use is as a salad dressing!
Spinach pesto is also so much healthier than traditional pesto. Spinach, as everyone know, is a powerhouse of nutrients. And, instead of using pine nuts, this recipe calls for sunflower seeds, a much healthier alternative.
Ingredients
- Spinach: Choose fresh, not frozen spinach for this pesto.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a big component in any pesto recipe, so buy the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford. It will really make a difference to the taste.
- Lemon Juice: A good squeeze of lemon juice gives your pesto a bright, zesty flavor.
- Garlic: I've used two fat cloves of garlic, and I think the flavor is well balanced, but if you don't like garlicky flavor you can use one clove.
- Sunflower Seeds: We are going to use sunflower seeds as a replacement for the pine nuts you find in traditional basil pestos. I swear, you won't even notice the difference! And, allergy sufferers will be able to enjoy this spinach pesto as well.
- Basil: One cup of fresh, spicy basil really lifts this pesto.
How To Make Spinach Pesto Without Nuts
It couldn't be easier - it literally takes 5 minutes to make this incredible pesto!
- Pop all your ingredients into the bowl of your food processor and give it a 30 second blitz. Voila! Spinach pesto!
Did You Make This Recipe?
If so, I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @thisdailydish. Or, leave me a comment below. It makes my day, and your feedback helps other readers!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
Absolutely! I like to freeze spinach pesto in an ice cube tray. That way you can pop out the cubes and add them to any dish you want.
Yes, just replace the basil with an equal amount of spinach.
Yes, this spinach pesto recipe is made without using any cheese, so it's dairy free. And, it's nut free and gluten free!
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📖 Recipe
Creamy Spinach Pesto - No Nuts
Ingredients
- 2 cups spinach fresh
- 1 cup basil fresh
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until well combined.
Carrie Robinson
Such a genius idea to use spinach in pesto! I bet this is delicious. 🙂
Irena Macri
Super yummy and love all the nutrients from the spinach. Pine nuts are SOOO expensive, glad I found a version without. Great pesto to toss with some pasta for my toddler, too. She loved it!
Keri Bevan
Hi Irena! Thanks so much for your comment and I'm glad you guys liked it!x
Caitlyn Erhardt
Love the twist with omitting the pine nuts. Excited to try this and see the taste difference!
Heather
Never been a big fan of pesto because of the pine nuts..but this with sunflower seeds was so good!! And loved that it was dairy free too!
Caitlin
This is the best homemade pesto ever! Love having it on pizza!
Keri Bevan
Thank you for your feedback. I'm pleased you liked it!x