If you’re looking for a dairy-free pesto recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This collection includes everything from classic pesto-based sauces to creative variations using roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, white beans, peas, spinach and more. Whether you’re tired of traditional basil pesto or simply looking for new ways to add flavor to your meals, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
Pesto is one of my favorite ways to add flavor without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I grow a lot of basil every summer, so I’m always looking for new pesto combinations beyond the traditional versions. This roundup includes 8 dairy-free homemade pesto recipes and 14 easy pesto dinners, including pasta, shrimp, salmon, soups, and flatbreads. All recipes are dairy-free and gluten-free, so you can easily find something to suit your diet.
Dairy-free homemade pesto recipe
Spinach Walnut Pesto (Dairy-Free Basil Pesto)
Spinach Walnut Pesto is a simple, creamy, bright sauce that’s super easy to make. Perfect for pasta, zoodles, pizza, wraps, or as a dip for your favorite vegetables, you’ll love how this recipe adds flavor to any dish.
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arugula cashew pesto
This easy arugula pesto is inspired by the popular Trader Joe’s vegan pesto. Made with fresh basil, tangy arugula, cashews, lemon juice, and garlic, it’s ready in minutes and adds bold flavor to pasta, sandwiches, and grain bowls.
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5 minute sun-dried tomato pesto (dairy-free)
If you’re looking for a flavorful alternative to traditional pesto, this sun-dried tomato pesto is a must-try. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make, making it perfect for quick meals and meal prep.
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easy sunflower seed pesto
Looking for an alternative to pine nuts in pesto? This quick and easy sunflower seed pesto is the answer. Creamy, flavorful, and nut-free. Perfect for meal prep, spreading on pasta, or sandwiches.
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white bean pesto
White kidney bean pesto is perfect for pasta sauces and healthy dips. Made with just 7 ingredients and ready in 5 minutes, this dip is naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and sure to be a hit with everyone.
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Pea pesto (easy basil pesto using frozen peas)
This pea pesto is a fresh, vibrant twist on classic pesto made with frozen peas, basil, lemon juice, and cashews. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dips.
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Recipe for roasted red pepper pesto with basil
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto is an easy twist on the classic pesto made with jarred roasted red peppers, fresh basil, garlic, and cashews. Made with simple ingredients in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for pasta, sandwiches, grain bowls, chicken, shrimp, fish, and more.
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creamy tahini pesto
Tahini pesto recipe is a simple, healthy and vibrant sauce that is super easy to make. Great with pasta, zoodles, pizza, roasted vegetables, or even as a dressing. You’ll love how much flavor this recipe adds to any dish.
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pesto pasta recipe
Easy pasta with dried tomato pesto
This Pasta with Sundried Tomato Pesto is an easy weeknight dinner made with pasta, spinach, and a rich sundried tomato pesto sauce. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s simple, flavorful, and easy to customize.
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Pesto Shrimp Pasta (Easy 15 Minute Dinner)
This pesto shrimp pasta is a quick and easy dinner made with a few simple ingredients. Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, flavorful, and fuss-free.
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pesto mushroom pasta
This Pesto Mushroom Pasta comes together in just 20 minutes and combines flavorful sautéed mushrooms, juicy cherry tomatoes, and pesto for an easy weeknight dinner. The mushrooms and pesto create a rich, flavorful sauce that’s comforting without being heavy.
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artichoke pesto pasta
Artichoke Pesto Pasta is an easy recipe perfect for dinner or lunch. Homemade artichoke pesto is rich and creamy and makes the perfect pasta sauce. It’s ready in 20 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal.
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pesto tuna pasta
Pesto tuna pasta is one of my favorite ways to turn canned tuna into dinner. Made with pasta, canned tuna, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto, this easy meal takes just 15 minutes and is packed with flavor.
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pesto veggie pasta
This Veggie Pesto Pasta is loaded with sautéed zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes and tossed with pasta and pesto. It’s a versatile meal that’s ready in 20 minutes and can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature.
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Recipe for pesto pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes
This pesto pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes is fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes. Made with pesto, pasta, vegetables, and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s perfect for an easy summer meal or side dish.
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pesto shrimp orzo
Pesto Shrimp Orzo is an easy dinner made with just 4 ingredients and only 20 minutes. Tender shrimp, pesto, and creamy orso create a meal that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to entertain.
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easy pesto dinner recipe
pesto chicken skillet
Pesto Chicken Skillet is easy to make, flavorful, and ready in just 10 minutes. This Chicken Pesto Skillet is made with simple ingredients for a delicious weeknight meal. Make this with homemade pesto or your favorite store-bought pesto sauce.
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Salmon and vegetable wrapped in pesto
Pesto Crusted Salmon and Vegetables is the perfect healthy dinner that’s ready in under 20 minutes. This pesto salmon is gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and Whole30-friendly recipe baked in the oven with asparagus and tomatoes. Perfect for a weeknight meal, yet luxurious enough for guests.
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pesto shrimp flatbread
This pesto shrimp flatbread is one of my favorite summer meals. Made with pesto, shrimp, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, it comes together in about 10 minutes and is perfect for a quick lunch, appetizer, or light dinner.
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Italian white bean pesto soup
This Italian White Bean Soup with Pesto is comforting, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients and clever shortcuts. Combine canned beans, frozen vegetables, and store-bought pesto to create a comforting soup perfect for low-energy nights.
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Pesto side dishes and appetizers
pesto cauliflower rice
Pesto Cauliflower Rice is a simple side dish made with cauliflower rice, pesto, and tomatoes. It’s ready in just 15 minutes and is an easy way to add veggies and flavor to any meal.
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artichoke pesto hummus
This artichoke pesto hummus is made without chickpeas, but the hemp hearts and cashews give it a creamy, hummus-like texture. Artichoke hearts, basil, and lemon combine to create a flavorful dip that’s perfect for vegetables, crackers, and sandwiches.
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Tips for making homemade pesto
Freeze extra pesto – Pesto freezes amazingly well. If you have any leftovers, freeze them in ice cube trays and thaw just the amount you need for pasta, grain bowls, sandwiches, soups, and more. Expect a change in color – Fresh pesto will be at its brightest color right after you make it. If left unattended, oxidation will occur when exposed to air, and the surface color may appear darker. This is completely normal and does not affect the flavor. Add extra greens for a brighter pesto – I often add arugula, baby spinach, or kale to pesto recipes. Not only does this add extra veggies, but it also keeps the pesto bright green even after a day or two in the fridge. Don’t be afraid of pesto variations – traditional pesto is made with basil, olive oil, nuts, and parmesan cheese, but pesto is incredibly flexible. Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, white beans, peas, spinach, arugula, and sunflower seeds can all create delicious variations with their own flavors. Not all pesto recipes are oil-heavy – many traditional pesto recipes rely heavily on olive oil. I like my pesto to be rich and low in oil, so it’s perfect for spreading on sandwiches, tossing with pasta, or using as a sauce. If you’re used to thin, oily pestos, these recipes may have a slightly different texture than you’re expecting. Save pasta water – If you use pesto with pasta, be sure to reserve the pasta water before draining. Starchy water loosens up thick pesto recipes and creates a silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
