What can you substitute for the nuts in pesto?
What can I use instead of nuts?
- Sesame seeds (and Tahini)
- Sunflower seeds (and SunButter)
- Pumpkin and squash seeds (aka pepitas and pumpkin seed butter)
- Hemp seeds and hemp hearts (and hemp butter)
- Watermelon seeds (you can buy these roasted online)
- Chia seeds (fine consumed whole)
Which nuts are best for a pesto?
Substitute for Pine Nuts In Pesto
- Almonds. Toasted almonds have the closest similarity to pine nuts. ...
- Walnuts. Though they might taste a little bitter compared to almonds, walnuts can be a suitable solution to replace pine nuts in your cuisine.
- Pistachios. Pistachios have a slightly different flavor from pine nuts. ...
- Cashews. ...
- Sunflower Seeds. ...
- Hazelnuts. ...
- Peanuts. ...
What is the best substitute for pine nuts?
Pine Nut Substitutes
- Almonds. Almonds are considered as a good substitute for pine nuts. ...
- Walnuts. Though they might taste little bitter in comparison with almonds, walnuts can be a suitable solution to replace pine nuts in your cuisine.
- Pistachios. ...
- Pecan Nuts. ...
- Hazelnuts. ...
- Peanuts. ...
- Macadamia Nuts. ...
- Cashews. ...
What nut is a typical ingredient in pesto?
The “typical” nut for pesto is pine nuts. Usually the substitute for pine nuts I use are cashews! They add about the same texture, and while still expensive, are a lot cheaper. Try to buy unsalted when buying these nuts – you don’t want the pesto to be extremely salty. Avocado – half of one.
Our 4 Substitutes for Pine Nuts in Pesto
When making pesto, there are a few characteristics that a pine nut substitute needs to possess.
Other Substitutes for Pine Nuts in Pesto
While the above-mentioned nuts are all great substitutes, you may have other reasons for wanting to rid your pesto of pine nuts.
Summary
To conclude, there are many other nuts out there that work as substitutes for pine nuts in pesto. Some options just require a bit more preparation than others.
What to Consider When Choosing a Pine Nuts Substitute
The pine nut alternative you choose will depend on what you are using the pine nuts for. Some nut replacements have a different texture and flavor. Large nuts can always be chopped into smaller pieces to accommodate the size difference.
About The Author
As a qualified Holistic Nutritionist, Helga has also combined her passion for good food and healthy living in wellness coaching.
Pesto Without Pine Nuts
In our home, we are huge pesto fans. On any given day you can walk in our house and find a collection of pesto in the fridge and in the freezer for pesto chicken pizza, grilled chicken pesto pasta, and sheet pan chicken, just to name a few!
Nut Free Pesto
Makes 1 cup of pesto sauce which is the perfect amount for an entire box of pasta, a whole pizza or to use as a marinade.
Tips and Tricks for Making No Nut Pesto
Fresh basil is the key to making homemade pesto. Do not try to use dried basil because it does not have the water or natural oils that are needed to make pesto. These two key ingredients are what helps pesto be creamy and delicious.
Common Pesto Substitutions
We have all been there when we want to make a homemade pesto only to find that we don’t have all the ingredients, but pesto can be any combinations of herbs, cheeses, nuts (or no nuts).
1. Cashews
Cashews tend to be the best substitute for pine nuts as they taste similar and they have a comparable texture in different recipes.
2. Almonds
Another alternative to pine nuts is almonds. You might find almonds easier than cashews and they don’t require chopping either as they are roughly the same size as pine nuts.
3. Pistachios
Pistachios are a bit pricier than other pine nut substitutes. However, they will charm you with their taste. Some think pistachios taste even better than pine nuts in many recipes, not to mention that you can always eat them plain as well.
4. Peanuts
Peanuts can replace almost any type of nuts. They are a cheap and available option in almost all supermarkets. You can use them instead of pine nuts and you might even like them better.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts can substitute pine nuts in almost any type of recipe and they are not expensive either. You can use them in pesto, salads, pasta, and several types of cookies. Walnuts will, however, taste best roasted as their peel can be rather sour if you eat them raw.
6. Macadamia nuts
Macadamia nuts are some of the tastiest nuts all over the world and they will make for a great addition to any of your recipes. They might not be easy to find in all supermarkets but if you do get your hands on them, they are worth a try instead of pine nuts.
7. Pecan nuts
Pecan nuts can replace pine nuts, so don’t hesitate to use them if you have them in your kitchen. However, they are more oily than other nuts, including pine nuts.
What is Pesto?
It’s a super delicious Italian sauce traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic and extra virgin olive oil.
The Best Pesto Substitutes
The quickest and easiest substitute for pesto is to make a simple herb oil by finely chopping a bunch of basil leaves and stirring in enough extra virgin olive oil to give you a chunky paste.
Dairy-Free Pesto Substitutes
In Sicily they make a pesto using a mix of nuts instead of the parmesan. I use this interchangeably with regular pesto.
Nut-Free Pesto Substitutes
These are a great option for those with nut allergies or special dietary requirements.
How to Make Pesto
To make your own pesto just process 1 big bunch basil leaves, 1 – 2 cloves garlic, 1 large handful pin nuts until everything is finely chopped. Then stir in 1/4 – 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and 1 large handful grated parmesan.
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