If there’s one thing that screams versatility and springtime freshness, it’s pesto. But if you’re dairy-free, traditional recipes can feel off-limits. That’s why I’m sharing my favorite dairy-free pesto recipe – bursting with flavor and perfect for just about everything!
Made with fresh basil, spinach (for extra green color & added veggies!), olive oil, cashews or walnuts (or your favorite nut); it’s a dairy-free twist on the classic cheesy element, this pesto will elevate your meals without compromising your lifestyle.
Here are just a few ways you can use dairy-free pesto:
- Toss it with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Drizzle it over roasted veggies.
- Use it as a spread for wraps or sandwiches.
- Dollop it on grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Dairy-free Pesto
Made with fresh basil, spinach (for extra green color & added veggies!), olive oil, cashews or walnuts (or your favorite nut); it's a dairy-free twist on the classic cheesy element, this pesto will elevate your meals without compromising your lifestyle.
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw cashews or walnuts
- 6 cups spinach
- 1 small bunch basil
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite dairy-free milk)
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the cashews or walnuts and pulse a few times.
- Next, add the spinach, basil, almond milk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse a few more times to form a pesto sauce.
- Serve with pasta, over chicken or sausage, mixed into rice, or as a dip for veggies.
Get Creative with Pesto!
Dairy-free pesto is super customizable:
- Swap the spinach for more basil or arugula for a new twist
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor
- Use walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts (the traditional ingredient in pesto) if walnuts or cashews aren’t your thing
- Add garlic if you love your pesto garlicky
- Add nutritional yeast if you like a more “cheesy” flavor
Craving more dairy-free recipe ideas? My Spring GFDF Weekly Menu Plans feature this pesto in some truly inspired ways. Grab your copy here and take your meals to the next level.
Note that these Spring GFDF Weekly Menu Plans are standalone and not part of the normal GFDF Weekly subscription plan. One-time fee. One and done.
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