Creamy Walnut Parsley Pesto Sauce (No Pine Nuts!)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Who says you need pine nuts or basil to make delicious pesto? This creamy walnut parsley pesto sauce features fresh parsley and toasted walnuts, and requires NO pine nuts and NO basil! Oh, and did I mention this easy pesto recipe can be made ahead, and only takes 10 minutes to make? Gluten-free and vegetarian.

Dairy-free or vegan? Keep reading to see how you can make this pesto sauce dairy-free AND vegan!

Ingredients to Make Creamy Walnut Parsley Pesto Sauce

• 1 cup toasted walnuts
• 2 cups parsley, loosely packed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 to 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 
• salt and pepper, to taste (I use 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper)

How to Make Creamy Walnut Parsley Pesto Sauce

(aka How to Make Pesto without Basil or Pine Nuts)

1. In a food processor fitted with an S blade, add the walnuts, parsley, garlic, lemon zest and juice, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Pulse a few times until mixture roughly combines, then drizzle in the olive oil, starting with 1/2 cup. Process for 20 seconds until combined.
2. At this time, the pesto should be creamy. If desired, you can add more olive oil to thin the pesto to your desired consistency.
3. Use immediately, or store in an airtight jar until ready to use. Pesto will keep in the refrigerator for 5 days. ENJOY!

How Do I Make Creamy Dairy-Free, Vegan Pesto?

Dairy-free or vegan? You can easily make this pesto recipe dairy-free AND vegan by omitting the parmesan and adding nutritional yeast (start with 2 tbsp and add more if needed)

Can I Freeze this Walnut Parsley Pesto Sauce?

Yes, yes, and yes! While this creamy pesto will last 5 days in the refrigerator, you can freeze it in individual containers (or an ice cube tray!) to store for up to a year.

What Does Pesto Taste Good With?

• Pasta
• Sandwiches
• Chicken
• Steak
• Veggies
• Eggs
• Pizza
• And More!

Looking for More Easy Dips & Sauces Recipes?

• Game Day Favorite Herbed Garlic Dip (GF, DF, VG)
• Extra Cheesy Hot Nacho Dip (GF, V)
• Holiday Favorite Creamy Cranberry Dip (GF, DF, VG)
• The Best Ever Dips: Creamy Avocado & Hummus (GF, DF, VG)
• 7-Ingredient Simple Marinara Dip (GF, DF, VG)
• Sambal Aioli (Hot Chili Aioli) Dipping Sauce
• 10-minute Sambal Oelek Red Chili Paste (Better Than Walmart!)

Subscribe to DWELL and get new recipes delivered straight to your inbox! In addition, follow along on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram to get all the latest updates!

If you make this Creamy Walnut Parsley Pesto Sauce recipe, please drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to know what you think! Or take a picture and share it on Instagram by tagging @dwellbymichelle so I can repost it on my stories!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a small portion of the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting DWELL by Michelle! Please read my disclosure policy.