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    Home » Dips, Dressing and Sauces

    Creamy Spinach Pesto - Without Pine Nuts

    Published:Sep 27, 2021· Modified: Jan 27, 2022 by Keri Bevan

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    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.

    spinach pesto
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Spinach Pesto Without Nuts
    • Download My Free Vegan Grocery List
    • Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
    • Craving More Easy Vegan Recipes?
    • Recipe

    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.

    spinach pest ingredients

    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.
    spinach 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!

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    Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

    Can you freeze spinach pesto?

    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.

    Can I make this spinach pesto without using basil?

    Yes, just replace the basil with an equal amount of spinach.

    Is spinach pesto suitable for vegans?

    Yes, this spinach pesto recipe is made without using any cheese, so it's dairy free. And, it's nut free and gluten free!

    Craving More Easy Vegan Recipes?

    Creamy Avocado Pesto - Nut Free

    Avocado Pesto Pasta

    Creamy Vegan Chipotle Mayo

    Quick Garlic Aioli

    Ultimate Romesco Sauce

    Easy Spanish Romesco Sauce - Rich and Smoky

    Cheesecake Factory Wellness Salad - Copycat Recipe

    Mango Habanero Salsa by Broke Bank Vegan

    Recipe

    spinach pesto without nuts

    Creamy Spinach Pesto - No Nuts

    Keri Bevan
    This spinach pesto can be made in under 5 minutes. It's nut free, gluten free and vegan too! It makes a fantastic addition to pasta, gnocchi, risotto or as a yummy topping for your favorite veggie burger or salad.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Sauces
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 344 kcal

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 4gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 23gSodium: 160mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1732IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword pesto without nuts, spinach pesto
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carrie Robinson

      March 01, 2022 at 11:24 pm

      5 stars
      Such a genius idea to use spinach in pesto! I bet this is delicious. 🙂

      Reply
    2. Irena Macri

      March 01, 2022 at 11:12 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        March 02, 2022 at 7:14 am

        Hi Irena! Thanks so much for your comment and I'm glad you guys liked it!x

        Reply
    3. Caitlyn Erhardt

      March 01, 2022 at 10:54 pm

      5 stars
      Love the twist with omitting the pine nuts. Excited to try this and see the taste difference!

      Reply
    4. Heather

      March 01, 2022 at 9:24 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    5. Caitlin

      March 01, 2022 at 8:51 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best homemade pesto ever! Love having it on pizza!

      Reply
      • Keri Bevan

        March 01, 2022 at 8:53 pm

        Thank you for your feedback. I'm pleased you liked it!x

        Reply

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    Welcome to my vegan kitchen! I hope you enjoy my collection of simple, flavorful vegan recipes.

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    Welcome!

    I'm Keri.

    I'm the food photographer and recipe developer behind Daily Dish. I have a passion for simple, fresh vegan dishes. I'm an ex-pat American who has lived all over the world. I currently live in London . Learn More

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