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Pumpkin Seed Pesto Recipe (Nut Free, Vegan, Vegetarian)

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This pumpkin seed pesto recipe is a bright and fresh sauce made with basil, pepitas, garlic, and olive oil.  Vegan, nut free, and SO yummy!

Great for pastas, toast, and risotto. A fantastic flavorful addition to any meal – this flavorful no cook pesto sauce is ready in just 10 minutes in your blender or food processor.

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I love bright and herby sauces, and this vegan pumpkin seed pesto brings the flavor! Even though it’s winter, we have a bounty of fresh herbs coming in from our garden, and I stocked up on a huge bag of pumpkin seeds.
 
The wonderfully nutty flavor of the pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas) is a great alternative to traditional pine nuts, and they taste SO good toasted in this pesto!  This pesto is deep and earthy, and is such an easy weeknight meal idea.
 

This Nut Free Pumpkin Seed Pesto Is

  • Bright
  • Herby
  • Fresh
  • Loaded with Flavor
  • Versatile
  • Hearty
  • Vegan, gluten free, nut free, dairy free!
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Meal Prep Pumpkin Pesto!

You can easily meal prep this vegan pumpkin seed pesto recipe by following the below recipe and dividing it into a few equal portions to enjoy throughout the week. I love having a tasty homemade meal ready in my fridge during the busy weekdays. By meal prepping this recipe, you can cook once and have perfectly portioned meals ready to go.

I rely heavily on meal prepping and created a whole section of the site to recipes you can meal prep, batch cook, or make ahead.  Heat + eat, you’re all set

What Ingredients Do I Need For Nut Free Pumpkin Seed Pesto?

See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and recipe instructions!

 

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Easy Weeknight Pesto – Vegan and Nut Free!

This pumpkin seed pepita pesto recipe is what I call an Easy Weeknight Meal – which is on your table in about 30 minutes.  These quick and simple recipes are perfect for those nights when you want a tasty homecooked meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

I have a whole section of The Herbeevore dedicated to Easy Weeknight Meals, that are great for the whole family. From soups and stews, to pastas and proteins – a quick meal can be on your table in no time.  Even faster than ordering takeout!

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How Do I Make Pesto with Pumpkin Seeds?

  1. Toast the pumpkin seeds over low heat in a sauce pan – seeds should be fully toasted after about 3 to 4 minutes, so make sure to watch and stir them so they don’t burn.
  2. In a food processor or blender, add basil, parsley, toasted pumpkin seeds, garlic, pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Pulse a few times to break down the greens.
  3. Mix on low and pour in the olive oil until the pesto is a smooth consistency. Add salt and pepper, taste, and adjust seasonings as desired.  Toss pesto with freshly cooked pasta, smash pesto with cooked chickpeas, or stir into risotto, mangia!

 

Other Nut-Free Vegan Recipes You’ll Love!

Vegan Nut Free Alfredo Sauce (Dairy Free, Gluten Free)

Crispy Tahini Tofu Wraps (Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut Free)

Homemade Chocolate Oat Milk (Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut Free)

Share This Vegan and Nut Free Pepitas Pesto Recipe!

If you make this easy pumpkin seed pesto recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me @theherbeevore on Instagram so I can feature you.  I love seeing all your photos of my recipes!

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Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Kelly Jensen
This nut free vegan pumpkin seed pesto is a bright and fresh sauce made with basil, pepitas, garlic, and olive oil.  Great for pastas, toast, and risotto!  A fantastic flavorful addition to any meal – this flavorful no cook pesto sauce is ready in just 10 minutes in your blender or food processor!
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dip, Dressing, Sauce
Cuisine American, Italian, Vegan
Servings 8 servings
Calories 160 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds toasted
  • 2 cups basil
  • 1 cup fresh parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/8 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt and Black Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Toast the pumpkin seeds over low heat in a sauce pan – seeds should be fully toasted after about 3 to 4 minutes, so make sure to watch and stir them so they don’t burn.
  • In a food processor or blender, add basil, parsley, toasted pumpkin seeds, garlic, pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Pulse a few times to break down the greens.
  • Mix on low and pour in the olive oil until the pesto is a smooth consistency. Add salt and pepper, taste, and adjust seasonings as desired.  Toss pesto with freshly cooked pasta, smash pesto with cooked chickpeas, or stir into risotto, mangia!

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 117mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 959IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a rating and comment below, let us know what you loved about it!

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Posted in American, Dairy Free, Dinners, Easy Weeknight Meals, Fall Recipes, Gluten Free, Italian, Make Ahead, No Cook Recipes, Nut Free, Sauces, The Herbeevore Recipes, Vegan Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes