Fresh homemade pesto is one of those simple staples that’s well worth having in your repertoire. It takes just a few minutes to make, yet it can completely transform an everyday meal, adding fresh, vibrant flavour with very little effort.
This almond and basil pesto is my go-to alternative to a traditional pine nut version. Almonds create a wonderfully creamy texture while also making the recipe a little more budget-friendly. It’s a practical option for busy weeks when you want something nutritious and full of flavour without spending hours in the kitchen.
I often serve it with courgetti (courgette noodles), quinoa pasta, roasted vegetables or stirred through salads for a quick lunch. It’s equally delicious spooned over grilled fish or chicken when you need an easy, balanced evening meal.
If you’re looking for a simple gluten-free pesto recipe that’s versatile, satisfying and easy to make from everyday ingredients, this is one you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Recipe
- Ready in less than 10 minutes.
- Naturally gluten-free.
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients.
- A more affordable alternative to traditional pine nut pesto.
- Delicious with pasta, roasted vegetables, fish or grilled chicken.
- Perfect for meal prep and quick weekday meals.
- Full of fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavour.
- Easy to adapt to suit your own tastes.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the reasons I love this pesto recipe is that it combines simple, wholesome ingredients that fit naturally into a balanced way of eating.
Basil
Fresh basil adds far more than its wonderful aroma. It’s naturally rich in plant compounds and antioxidants and is a lovely way to bring fresh herbs into your meals, particularly if you enjoy a Mediterranean-style approach to eating.
Almonds
Almonds provide healthy unsaturated fats, vitamin E and fibre, helping to make this pesto both satisfying and nourishing. They also create a naturally creamy texture without needing large amounts of oil.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a key part of the Mediterranean diet. It contains heart-friendly monounsaturated fats along with naturally occurring polyphenols, making it a valuable everyday ingredient when enjoyed as part of a varied, balanced diet.
Garlic
Garlic brings depth of flavour while also contributing beneficial plant compounds that have long been valued in traditional cooking.
Pecorino Cheese
A small amount of Pecorino adds richness, protein and calcium, giving the pesto plenty of savoury flavour without overpowering the fresh basil.
Almond Pesto Ingredients
- 1 large bunch fresh basil
- 40g almonds
- 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino cheese
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of Himalayan salt
Ingredient Swaps
One of the best things about homemade pesto is how adaptable it is.
- Swap the almonds for pine nuts if you prefer a more traditional flavour.
- Walnuts or cashews also work beautifully.
- Use Parmesan instead of Pecorino if that’s what you have available.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a brighter, fresher finish.
- For a dairy-free version, simply leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Prefer a looser consistency? Blend in a little more extra virgin olive oil until it reaches your ideal texture.
How to make the Pesto
- Remove the basil leaves from the stems.
- Place the basil, almonds, Pecorino, garlic, olive oil and salt into a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning or add a little more olive oil until you’re happy with the consistency.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Expert Tips
A few small touches can make all the difference to this pesto recipe:
- Choose the freshest basil you can find for the brightest flavour.
- Blend only until smooth, as over-processing can dull the vibrant green colour.
- Add the olive oil gradually so you can control the texture.
- Lightly toast the almonds beforehand if you’d like a deeper, nuttier flavour.
- When stirring through warm pasta, add a splash of the cooking water to create a silky, glossy sauce.
- It’s equally delicious spooned over roasted vegetables, grilled fish or chicken for a quick, balanced meal.
Storage Instructions
Store your pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To help preserve its vibrant green colour, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing the container.
Pesto also freezes beautifully. Spoon it into ice cube trays, freeze, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to three months, giving you perfectly portioned pesto whenever you need a quick flavour boost.
Almond Pesto FAQ
What is almond pesto?
Almond pesto is a variation of traditional basil pesto made using almonds instead of pine nuts. It has a creamy texture, fresh basil flavour and can be used as a pasta sauce, dip or spread.
How long does homemade pesto last?
Homemade pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.
Can I make pesto without pine nuts?
Yes. Almonds are an excellent alternative and provide a creamy texture with a mild flavour.
Is this pesto gluten-free?
Yes. All of the ingredients are naturally gluten free. As always, check packaged ingredients for any potential cross-contamination if you have coeliac disease.
Can I freeze homemade pesto?
Yes. Freeze in small portions for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before using.
What can I serve pesto with?
Pesto is delicious with quinoa pasta, gluten-free pasta, courgetti, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, fish, salads or as a spread in sandwiches and wraps.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Simply leave out the Pecorino cheese or use a dairy-free hard cheese alternative.
Ready to Support Your Health Naturally?
Healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple recipes like this almond and basil pesto can make nutritious meals quicker, tastier and easier to enjoy.
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Whether you’re looking for personalised support or simply want more healthy recipe inspiration, I’d love to help.
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