Pumpkin Seed Pesto: A Nut-Free, Flavorful Favorite

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September 3, 2025

By Emma Waters

4 Ingredient Mounjaro Recipe – Step-by-step process showing lemon, ginger, and honey being mixed into a detox drink

Hello, dear friends! Chef Emma here, and today I’m sharing a recipe that’s as quick as it is versatile: Pumpkin Seed Pesto. If you’ve ever wished for a creamy, flavorful pesto without nuts or dairy, this recipe is for you. It comes together in just five minutes, and every spoonful is bursting with the bright, herby flavors of basil, lemon, and garlic. This little green sauce is a kitchen lifesaver — it can transform the simplest meal into something unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto

  • Nut-free & allergy-friendly – Made with pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.
  • Plant-based goodness – Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally protein-rich.
  • Versatile magic – Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, salads, veggies, and more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup olive oil (plus more as needed)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Lightly toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant. In a food processor, combine the seeds, basil, garlic, and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed and adjust with more oil for your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into a jar and enjoy immediately, or store in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it fresh and green.

Chef Emma’s Tips

Toast the pumpkin seeds — it makes all the difference in flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. For variety, try swapping the basil for parsley, cilantro, or even arugula. This pesto also freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for later.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Seed Pesto is more than just a sauce — it’s a way to bring life and color to everyday meals. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, drizzling it over roasted vegetables, spreading it on sandwiches, or swirling it into soups, it adds that extra touch that makes a meal feel special. Simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor, this pesto will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. So grab those pumpkin seeds, my friends, and let’s blend up a jar of green goodness together.

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Pumpkin Seed Pesto: A Nut-Free, Flavorful Favorite


  • Author: Chef Emma
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A quick and easy nut-free Pumpkin Seed Pesto made with pumpkin seeds, fresh basil, garlic, and lemon. Vegan, gluten-free, and ready in 5 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more as needed)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Lightly toast the pumpkin seeds in a skillet until golden.
  2. Add seeds, basil, garlic, and lemon juice to a food processor.
  3. Drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth and creamy.
  4. Scrape sides as needed and adjust with more oil for desired consistency.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve immediately or store in the fridge with a thin layer of olive oil on top.

Notes

Toast your pumpkin seeds for deeper flavor. Swap basil with parsley, cilantro, or arugula for variation. Pesto freezes well — make a double batch and save some for later.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pumpkin seed pesto, nut-free pesto, vegan pesto, gluten-free pesto, basil pesto alternative

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