Go Back
+ servings
pesto with sesame seeds in a bowl on a white table

Sesame Seed Pesto Recipe

Kristina Todini, RDN
Sesame Seed Pesto, a simple nut-free pesto sauce using sesame seeds instead of pine nuts. This nut-free pesto has only 7 ingredients and comes together in only 5 minutes.
5 star (1 rating)
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Sauces, Dressings + Dips
Cuisine Italian-Inspired
Servings 16 servings
Calories 82 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups basil
  • cup sesame seeds
  • 2 whole garlic cloves
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • cup nutritional yeast or parmasan cheese
  • teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
  • Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Wash and prep the basil: First, gently clean any dirt from the basil by running under cold water. You can do this up to 4 days in advance and then store in a wet paper towel in a zip lock bag in your refrigerator. Dry the basil by laying it flat and pressing it between two kitchen towels or using a salad spinner.
  • Blend the greens, sesame seeds, garlic, and oil: Next add the basil, sesame seeds, and garlic cloves to a food processor and pulse. As you're pulsing the ingredients, drizzle in olive oil and continue to pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and coated in oil.
  • Add nutritional yeast, spices, and lemon juice: Finally, add in the remaining ingredients and taste. Adjust any seasonings as needed to meet your preferences.

Notes

  • Make it vegan: Make this pesto recipe vegan by using dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
  • Tools needed: food processor or blender, knife set, cutting board
  • Prep ahead: Make this simple pesto up to 2-3 days before serving, or freeze until ready to use.
  • Leftovers and storage: Leftover pesto should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, and in the freezer for up to 2 months (possibly longer).
  • Nutrition notes: This recipe made as written (with vegan cheese and seeds) is plant-based, gluten-free, and nut-free. It is a good source of vitamin C, plant-based protein, and fiber.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 82kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 19mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 159IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg
Keyword nut-free pesto, sesame seed pesto
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!