You don’t need nuts or cheese to make a delicious pesto sauce! This healthy pesto has a garlicky kick to go along with a tangy lemon artichoke flavored base. It’s so creamy and delicious and ready to be dipped or slathered on anything!

This creamy pesto is perfect for dipping, topping or mixing with just about anything.

Ingredients in this nut free pesto

Most pesto recipes call for pine nuts, which I’m not a big fan of. So, I made up my own version of pesto without them and here’s what you’ll need:

  • Sunflower seeds – These have a more neutral flavor than pine nuts and provide the same texture and thickness to the pesto.
  • Fresh garlic – Can you really make pesto without a bunch of garlic?
  • Artichoke hearts – These add a slightly tangy and creamy flavor to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice – Lemon + artichoke is such a perfect combination.
  • Fresh Basil – The base of every great pesto, add as much as you want!
  • Arugula – My favorite ingredient in this sauce. It adds a spicy, peppery flavor that can’t be beat.
  • Salt, pepper and oil – I prefer a very light olive oil or avocado oil. A darker and more flavorful olive oil can be overpowering.

Looking for more? Check out all of our healthy sauces and dressings!

Straight on image of a small canister with dairy free and nut free pesto and spoon in it.

Why a dairy free pesto?

Not everyone tolerates dairy very well, but everyone should be able to enjoy a good pesto sauce!

I created this recipe when I first started on the Paleo diet. I was missing fresh pesto (and pasta) and couldn’t find any good pesto recipes or alternatives without dairy.

So I went ahead and made my own and I couldn’t be happier! This easy homemade sauce has become a staple in our house. It’s so versatile and you can whip up a batch in about five minutes.

Overhead image of a spoonful of dairy and nut free pesto.

Ways to enjoy this healthy pesto sauce

We’ve eaten this sauce just about every way possible! Here are some examples:

Image of holding a jar of pesto sauce.

How to store homemade pesto

Because this is made with fresh ingredients, it needs to be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last between 3-5 days when stored this way.

Alternatively, it can be frozen in a jar or container to be thawed out and used later.

Another way to freeze pesto is to pour it into ice cube trays and freeze it. Once it’s frozen, pop the cubes out and place them in a container. Then, whenever you want some pesto you can just thaw out as many cubes as you want!

Overhead close up of dairy free and nut free pesto in a bowl with a spoon.

Your turn to try this easy pesto recipe

Plan on making this pesto sauce soon, I know you’ll love it! You won’t miss the cheese or nuts, I promise. Maybe it will even become a staple in your house like it has in ours.

If you make this recipe, take a pic to share on Instagram and tag us @realsimplegood so we can check it out! We love seeing you make our recipes and sharing them.


Vertical split image with text overlay in the middle. Top image of a spoonful of pesto sauce. Bottom image of a bowl full of dairy and nut free pesto with a spoon.

Like this Recipe?

SHARE IT NOW OR PIN IT FOR LATER!


Vertical image with text overlay at the top. Close up image of healthy pesto sauce in a bowl.

Close up angle of a bowl filled with pesto sauce and a spoon in bowl
4.89 from 9 ratings
Get the Recipe:

Dairy Free and Nut Free Pesto Sauce

You don't need nuts or cheese to make a delicious pesto sauce! This healthy pesto is creamy and ready to be dipped or slathered on anything.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of raw unsalted sunflower seeds
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 can artichoke hearts, drained, (14.5 oz)
  • 1 lemon, juice of
  • 15 fresh basil leaves
  • 3 cups arugula, (or sub spinach)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup olive oil + more for desired consistency, (or sub avocado oil)

Instructions
 

  • Add the sunflower seeds, garlic, artichoke hearts and lemon juice to a food processor. Pulse until combined.
  • Add the fresh basil and spinach.
  • Stream the olive oil (or avocado oil) in while the food processor runs until the consistency is smooth.
  • Use the pesto immediately or it will last in the fridge in an airtight container for about 3-5 days or freeze for longer. See storage tips in the post above.

Last Step:

Please leave a star rating and comment to let us know how you liked this recipe! Your ratings and reviews help our business grow, so we can continue to provide free healthy and delicious recipes for you.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @realsimplegood with hashtag #realsimplegood on Instagram. We love to see what you make!
Dairy Free and Nut Free Pesto SauceDairy Free and Nut Free Pesto Sauce