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    Recipes » Main Course Recipes » Pasta

    Almond Pesto

    Published: Feb 22, 2021 by Marissa Stevens · 34 Comments

    Gluten FreePaleoVegetarianMediterraneanQuick Meals

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    almond pesto on a spoon

    Almond Pesto is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic! Keeping the basil of the traditional version, but swapping in toasted almonds for pine nuts, and pecorino cheese for parmesan. Creamy, tangy, and lightly smoky it's a must try for pesto lovers.

    Almond Pesto on a spoon

    Though this almond pesto is ideal for tossing with pasta (especially homemade pasta with dough made in the food processor), that's just one way to enjoy it. Stir it into soups, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Spread onto grilled or pan fried fish or seafood, swirl into scrambled eggs, or enjoy as a dip for bread or vegetables. The options are endless!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients You Need to Make Almond Pesto
    • More Versions of Pesto
    • How to Make Almond Pesto
    • Almond Pesto
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients You Need to Make Almond Pesto

    Almond Pesto Ingredients on a white marble board
    • Basil: Look for fresh, bright green bunches of basil. Fresh basil spoils quickly, so purchase it no later than the day before you plan to use it.
    • Garlic: This recipe calls for a meager one clove, feel free to add more if you like.
    • Toasted Almonds: Raw almonds will also work, but you'll lose some flavor depth.
    • Pecorino Cheese: Parmesan cheese is also an option.
    • Olive Oil: A good quality, extra virgin olive oil.
    • Kosher Salt

    It's not an overstatement to say that I'm infatuated with pesto.

    Almond Pesto in a white bowl with a spoon

    It was first introduced to me when I'd just graduated from high school. I had a new job and my boss invited me to dinner. When I arrived, my bosses wife Melanie was just beginning to drizzle olive oil into a blender full of heavenly scented, brilliant green paste. When the pesto had whirled itself into silky oblivion, she poured it over a serving bowl of hot tortellini, hunks of thinly sliced prosciutto, and loads of summer vegetables: red peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, mushrooms. Then she tossed it all together and topped it with more cheese.  I remember thinking that it was one of the best things I'd ever tasted.

    Melanie was kind enough to write down the recipe which I've kept in a notebook ever since. About most things, I'm not very sentimental, but handwritten recipes from friends and family feel like little treasures to me. And If you've had dinner at our home several times, I've probably served you this dish. After decades, it's still one of my favorites. 

    pesto tortellini recipe

    More Versions of Pesto

    I've experimented with classic basil pesto using different nut and cheese combinations, sometimes making it with a vegetable or a green like spinach or arugula instead of basil. (You may remember this Broccoli Pesto - also with almonds, these Caprese Crostini or this Hazelnut Pesto with charred cauliflower.) I also love to swirl it with homemade aioli to make Pesto Aioli. So when I spotted parsley pesto in Bon Appétit I tried the recipe immediately, and this guy says it best...

    But, that's okay Bon Appétit, I still love you.

    So this is my second pass at the recipe: I added garlic (for heaven's sake!), swapped in basil for parsley (hardly original), used pecorino (bingo!), and toasted almonds (er, yum?). And you know what? This Almond Pesto may be my favorite version of pesto yet.

    How to Make Almond Pesto

    Step 1: Pulse basil, garlic, almonds, cheese and salt in a food processor until minced.

    • almond pesto ingredients except olive oil in food processor
    • minced almonds basil and garlic in food processor

    Step 2: Add olive oil in a slow, steady stream with the processor running, processing until smooth. Serve as desired.

    • adding olive oil through food processor shoot
    • almond pesto in food processor
    Almond Pesto on a spoon

    Almond Pesto

    Marissa Stevens
    Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Swap in your favorite nut, cheese, green, or herb.
    5 from 6 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 16 tablespoons
    Calories 91 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed, about 1 ½ ounces
    • 1 clove garlic (see recipe note #2)
    • ⅓ cup toasted almonds
    • 2 ounces grated pecorino cheese
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or ½ teaspoon fine salt
    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

    Instructions
     

    • Place basil, garlic, almonds, cheese and salt in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until finely minced, scraping down the side of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
    • With the food processor running, add oil through the shoot in a slow steady stream. Process until smooth. Use immediately or store according to directions in recipe notes.

    Notes

    1. Store almond pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Smooth the top of the pesto and add a thin coat of olive oil to preserve the bright green color. Or freeze pesto for up to 6 months. For convenience, freeze in an ice cube tray then transfer frozen pesto cubes to a freezer bag to use as desired.
    2. If you like a garlicky pesto, add 2 or even 3 cloves of garlic.
    3. This recipe makes about 1 cup.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 91kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 188mgPotassium: 33mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 173IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword comfort food, dinner party, easy
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Elizabeth Roy says

      August 15, 2022 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      This pesto is so good. Sever it with shrimp over rice, with salad on the side. Absolutely will make again

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        August 16, 2022 at 3:01 pm

        That's wonderful to hear, Elizabeth! Sounds like an excellent meal!

        Reply
    2. Pat says

      August 10, 2022 at 7:08 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious I add some parsley with basil it helps balance our the garlic .

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        August 11, 2022 at 4:19 pm

        So glad you're enjoying the recipe and adding your own spin, Pat!

        Reply
    3. Luisa says

      October 24, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      Today for dinner I made this pesto recipe along with your homemade pasta recipe and it was a hit! Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful and easy to make recipes, we’ve loving them!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        October 25, 2021 at 8:42 am

        This is great to hear, Luisa! So glad that you're enjoying the recipes!

        Reply
    4. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      March 21, 2021 at 3:47 pm

      When I use up the jars of pesto I have in my freezer, I'm definitely going to give your version a try. I always have almonds in the freezer and I've got pots of basil growing on my patio.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        March 21, 2021 at 3:50 pm

        I'm so glad you plan to try this, Karen! I'm jealous of your ready supply of basil. I'd love to grow it here, but our climate won't cooperate.

        Reply
    5. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      February 26, 2021 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      Love the almond substitution Marissa. Pesto is one of our faves. LOVE the handwritten recipe. So special!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        March 01, 2021 at 8:47 am

        I agree, Mary Ann. Thank you!

        Reply
    6. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says

      February 23, 2021 at 4:41 pm

      Pesto is always great, but sometimes I feel that I like variations more that a classic one! Indeed, why limit yourself if you can try all possible combinations? I haven't had an almond pesto yet, but it sounds great. Thinking that you can probably use smoked almonds for an extra smoky kick.

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        March 01, 2021 at 8:47 am

        You're right, Ben. Smoky almonds would be a fun variation!

        Reply
    7. David @ Spiced says

      February 23, 2021 at 4:07 am

      5 stars
      That handwritten recipe card is so awesome - not only is it a great recipe, but it carries memories with it, too. Speaking of the recipe, I can already tell I will love this one! We really enjoy traditional pesto around here, but the addition of the toasted almonds would take this to a whole new level. Totally going to make this sometime soon! And talk about an easy dinner if you toss this with pasta. Yum!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        March 01, 2021 at 8:47 am

        Thanks, David! I hope you'll give it a try.

        Reply
    8. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

      February 22, 2021 at 7:26 pm

      5 stars
      This almond pesto looks terrific, Marissa. I haven't made pesto in way too long but it's so good on everything! On noodles, burgers, sandwiches...I'll be giving your recipe a try!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        March 01, 2021 at 8:48 am

        I love to hear that, Katherine! Thank you.

        Reply
    9. Holly says

      February 22, 2021 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      I love all kinds of pesto. I love the idea of almond with pecorino cheese. I can't wait for a warmer season so that I can grow sweet basil and make a ton of pesto. So lovely!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        March 01, 2021 at 8:48 am

        Thanks so much, Holly!

        Reply
    10. Natalyn says

      September 17, 2015 at 11:43 am

      Just made this. Wow. Wow. Wow. WOW. YUM. 🙂 Thank you for sharing, this was delish.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        September 17, 2015 at 11:55 am

        Awesome! So sweet of you to let me know...

        Reply
    11. Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says

      August 11, 2013 at 6:32 pm

      I can never get enough pesto.. can't wait to try! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        August 12, 2013 at 2:08 pm

        My pleasure!

        Reply
    12. Mary says

      August 02, 2013 at 10:10 pm

      Yum! Made this for dinner and once again proved I can not be left alone in a room with pesto. No self control.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 03, 2013 at 9:33 am

        I know what you mean! "Hmm...maybe just ONE more bite..." 🙂

        Reply
    13. Chris says

      July 31, 2013 at 12:20 pm

      One thing that goes without saying ... that I feel nevertheless needs saying is that making your own pesto is 100x better than using a bottled variety ... that pesto is best basically the minute it's made ... and it's amazing fresh! More people should make things themselves. Mine: toasted pepitas, cilantro, grapeseed oil or oilive oil, good salt, garlic, and queso fresco or cotija if you want the cheese part ... 🙂 cheers!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 31, 2013 at 12:52 pm

        What a fun idea to put a Mexican twist on pesto with pepitas and cilantro - sounds delicious.

        Reply
    14. Giovanna says

      July 28, 2013 at 2:17 pm

      I agree with you : I love pesto Sauce too, it is perfect for pasta, crostini, cold meat ... Always delicious!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 31, 2013 at 12:52 pm

        Being from Tuscany, I bet you make a mean pesto Giovanna!

        Reply
    15. Amy @ swiss miss in the kitchen says

      July 28, 2013 at 11:55 am

      I totally get you, home made pesto is just too good!! love your recipe it looks delicious 🙂
      xox Amy

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 31, 2013 at 12:52 pm

        Thanks Amy. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      July 28, 2013 at 5:34 am

      I'm with you-I would have definitely saved that hand written recipe and I treasure that kind of thing! 😀

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 31, 2013 at 12:53 pm

        I believe that about you Lorraine...

        Reply
    17. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says

      July 28, 2013 at 5:29 am

      I´m with you on the pesto my friend! One of the best things to eat with probably everything.. thanks for the shout out! Still laughing at the nah, needs garlic, but it´s SO true!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        July 31, 2013 at 12:54 pm

        What's pesto without garlic, right? 🙂

        Reply

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