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Nut-free chickpea basil pesto on a white plate on a wooden table with a napkin.

5-Minute Nut-Free Chickpea Basil Pesto Recipe

Kristina Todini, RDN
Looking for an easy, nut-free basil pesto recipe? Look no further, this No-Nut Chickpea Basil Pesto recipe uses garbanzo beans in place of pine nuts. Safe for nut allergies!
4.79 stars (23 ratings)
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Sauces, Dressings + Dips
Cuisine Italian-Inspired
Servings 6 servings
Calories 147 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup basil
  • 2 whole garlic cloves or 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • ½ cup chickpeas from about 1 15-ounce can
  • cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • Optional: lemon zest, lemon juice to taste; salt to taste*

Instructions
 

  • Wash and prep the basil: Start by submerging basil in a bowl of water and cleaning it off to remove any dirt. Dry it using a salad spinner or lay it flat on a plate or kitchen towel.
  • Blend the greens, chickpeas, garlic, and oil: Toss the cleaned and dried basil in a food processor. Next, add chickpeas and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped, slowly drizzling in olive oil until the chopped ingredients are completely covered in oil but still chunky.
  • Add parmesan cheese, spices, and lemon juice: Finish by adding in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Give the pesto a taste and add more seasonings until it's flavored to your liking.

Notes

  • Leftovers + storage: This pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. If ingredients start to separate, pulse in a food processor or blender to redistribute.
  • Variations: Make it vegan by omitting the the parmesan cheese and substitute with 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast. Make it oil-free by mixing with water. Experiment with different nut-free basil pestos by using white beans or, if you can eat seeds, sunflower or squash seeds.
  • Nutrition notes: This recipe is a great source of calcium, a good source of vitamin A, and is full of protein with the addition of chickpeas. A great nutrition addition to your next pasta or pizza recipe.
  • *This recipe does not include additional salt because the parmesan cheese is very salt already. However, when taste testing add a small amount if needed to fit your desired flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 147kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 71mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 297IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chickpea pesto, nut-free pesto
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