How do I store leftover pesto with walnuts?

Store leftover walnut pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To keep it fresh and green, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in small portions using an ice cube tray—just pop out a cube whenever you need a flavor boost!

What if I don't like basil?

No problem! You can swap basil for spinach, arugula (like in this fresh arugula salad ), or even a mix of fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro. Spinach keeps it mild, while arugula adds a peppery kick. Play around with different greens and find your favorite combo!

Can I make a nut-free version of this vegan pesto sauce?

Yep! You can swap the walnuts for sunflower seeds, raw or roasted pumpkin seeds , or even hemp seeds. They’ll still give you a creamy texture and a nice, nutty flavor without the nuts. Just blend them up the same way, and you’ve got a delicious nut-free pesto!

Walnut Pesto

Dairy-free walnut pesto is a simple and flavorful way to add a burst of herby goodness to your meals! Walnuts give it a rich and creamy texture, while fresh basil and garlic bring bold, classic pesto flavors. Instead of cheese, nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy taste that blends perfectly with the olive oil. It’s quick to make and perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or even as a satisfying dip!

This pesto is great for meal prep and keeps well in the fridge for days. You can mix it into roasted veggies, bake it into bread like this pull-apart pesto bread, or toss it with warm noodles for an easy meal. It’s also super easy to customize—add more garlic for a punchy kick or a splash of lemon for extra brightness.

Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar of this delicious pesto on hand at all times!

Table of Contents

Why You Must Make this Pesto Sauce

Dairy-free walnut pesto is simple, flavorful, and perfect for adding a fresh and creamy boost to any dish. Try it once, and you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge all the time!

Super Creamy Without Dairy. Walnuts give this pesto a rich, creamy texture, so you don’t need cheese to make it smooth and delicious. They blend up perfectly with olive oil, making every bite silky and satisfying!
Packed with Bold, Fresh Flavor. Fresh basil and garlic bring that classic pesto taste—herby, garlicky, and full of zing. Plus, savory nutritional yeast adds a cheesy kick without any dairy!
Quick and Easy to Make. All you need is a blender or food processor, and your pesto is ready in minutes. Just toss in the ingredients, blend, and you’ve got a fresh, homemade sauce in no time!
Super Versatile for Any Meal. This pesto works with pasta, sandwiches, roasted veggies, or even as a dip. It’s one of those sauces that makes everything taste better!
Great for Meal Prep. It stores well in the fridge for several days, so you can make a batch and have it ready for quick meals all week. Just a spoonful can take your dish from plain to amazing!

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

This simple combo makes the perfect dairy-free pesto that’s packed with flavor. Now, grab your ingredients and start blending!

Gathered ingredients for this walnut pesto recipe measured out and labeled.

Walnuts – Give the pesto a rich, creamy texture and a mild, nutty flavor. They blend smoothly, making the sauce thick and luscious without needing cheese. Plus, they’re packed with healthy fats that make every bite satisfying! Toast the walnuts lightly in a pan for extra depth of flavor. Try almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds for a different twist!
Basil – Brings the bright, fresh, and slightly peppery flavor that makes pesto so delicious. It’s the main herb that gives the sauce its signature green color and classic Italian taste. Use fresh basil for the best flavor—dried won’t work the same way. Try a mix of basil and spinach or even arugula for a peppery kick!
Olive Oil – Helps blend everything together while adding richness and a silky texture. It also helps carry all the bold flavors, making the pesto smooth and easy to spread or toss with pasta. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. Avocado oil works too, but it will have a milder flavor.
Garlic – Adds a punch of bold, savory goodness that balances the creamy nuts and fresh basil. It gives pesto that irresistible kick that makes every bite extra tasty! Use fresh garlic for the strongest flavor, or roast it for a milder, slightly sweet taste. If garlic is too strong, try shallots or a pinch of garlic powder.
Nutritional Yeast – Replaces traditional Parmesan, adding a cheesy, umami-rich taste without any dairy. It makes the pesto extra savory and delicious while keeping it totally plant-based! Add more or less depending on how cheesy you like it. Miso paste or a splash of lemon juice can add a different kind of savory depth.

How to Make Walnut Pesto

Making walnut pesto is quick, easy, and packed with bold, herby flavor! Walnuts give it a rich, creamy texture, while garlic, basil, and nutritional yeast add a cheesy, garlicky kick. Just blend everything together, and you’ve got a delicious sauce for pasta, sandwiches, and more!

Ingredients for a walnut pesto in a food processor.

Walnut pesto, puréed in a food processor.

Blend It Up! Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. That’s it—your pesto is ready to enjoy!

Pesto Serving Tips and Suggestions

This walnut pesto is so versatile, you’ll want to put it on everything. Try these ideas and find your favorite way to enjoy it!

Toss It with Pasta – Mix your walnut pesto with warm pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. Add roasted veggies or marinated tofu for extra texture and flavor!
Spread It on Sandwiches – Swap out plant-based mayo and use pesto instead for a bold, herby kick. It’s perfect on grilled veggie sandwiches or delicious wraps!
Drizzle Over Roasted Veggies – Herb-roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables, or sheet pan asparagus taste amazing with a little pesto on top. Just drizzle it on right before serving for a fresh burst of flavor!
Use It as a Dip – Serve it with homemade crackers, wedges of pita bread, fresh veggies (or pickled mixed veggies) for an easy appetizer. It’s creamy, garlicky, and totally snack-worthy!
Swirl It on Pizza – Drizzle pesto over vegan pizza instead of or along with tomato sauce. It adds a fresh, nutty twist that makes every slice extra delicious!