Almond Basil Pesto

Almond Basil Pesto is a twist on the classic Italian basil pesto. The almonds give it a nutty flavor and great texture. This variation will add delicious flavor to pasta, pizza, vegetables, and so much more!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You are going to love this homemade pesto with almonds. If you grow fresh herbs during the summer in your garden (like I do!), frequent the farmer's market, or subscribe to a local CSA, then this is the recipe for you. By the middle of summer, basil seems to be growing like crazy. This is the perfect sauce to make with it.

Instead of using traditional pine nuts, I like to use almonds. I'm much more likely to have them in my pantry and they're less expensive than pine nuts.

Though this is typically a summer recipe, you'll find me making it all year round with basil I buy at the grocery store. Like I always say, pesto is the best-o!

Ingredients

This Almond Basil Pesto comes together with just 6 simple ingredients.

• Basil: Fresh basil leaves are a must in this recipe!
• Almonds: Raw or toasted almonds would both work well in this recipe.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan cheese adds a tangy flavor.
• Garlic: For more flavor. You can toss the cloves into the food processor whole, or mince them before going in.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Sea Salt: To round out all the flavors.

Step-By-Step Instructions

In a few simple steps, you'll have a jar of this drool-worthy pesto!

1. Add the basil, almonds, parmesan cheese and garlic to a small food processor or blender. Process until well chopped.
2. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil and process until combined. If using a blender, add the oil in a few additions. Blend between each addition, until combined.
3. Taste and season with sea salt as needed.

To store: Pour the pesto into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Variations

• Toast the almonds. You can toast the raw almonds to bring out even more flavor. Here's info on how to easily toast almonds at home.
• Make it nut free! Just leave out the almonds to make it nut free. You could also substitute for your favorite type of seed like shelled sunflower seeds or pepitas.
• Add more greens. Substitute half of the basil for arugula or baby spinach.
• Brighten it up. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
• Give it a little kick. Add in a jalapeno or crushed red pepper to give it some spice.

Serving Suggestions

If you're curious what to make with Almond Basil Pesto, I have so many suggestions for you! It's a flavor packed condiment that you can drizzle over so many things. Use it as a sauce for pasta or pizza. Drizzle it over grain bowls, sandwiches, chicken, fish, or even roasted veggies. It's even great on eggs.

What's your favorite way to use pesto? Let me know in the comments below!

How To Freeze Pesto

Not ready to use all that pesto you just made? You can freeze it for later!

Spoon the pesto into ice cube trays and place in the freezer for several hours. Once frozen, place the pesto cubes in a freezer bag to freeze for up to 3 months. I love to do this at the end of the summer. It's a great way to use up all that summer basil for fresh pesto heading into the cooler months.

When you're ready to use it, you can simply toss a frozen pesto cube into your hot pasta or let it thaw at room temperature to use in other ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes

If you like this Almond Basil Pesto, then you'll love these other recipes!

• Spinach Basil Pesto
• Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl
• Grilled Vegetable Platter
• Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce

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