22 Easy Dairy Free Pesto Recipes
If you’re looking for dairy free pesto recipes, you’re in the right place. This collection includes everything from classic pesto-inspired sauces to creative variations made with roasted red peppers, sundried 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 big flavor without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I grow a lot of basil every summer, which means I’m constantly looking for new pesto combinations beyond the traditional version. In this roundup, you’ll find 8 homemade dairy free pesto recipes along with 14 easy dinners that use pesto, including pasta, shrimp, salmon, soups, flatbreads, and more. Every recipe is dairy free and gluten free, making it easy to find something that works for your table.
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Homemade Dairy Free Pesto Recipes
Spinach Walnut Pesto (Dairy-Free Basil Pesto)
Spinach walnut pesto is a simple, creamy, vibrant sauce that is so easy to make! Perfect for pasta, zoodles, pizza, wraps or dipping your favorite veggies, you are going to love how much flavor this recipe adds to any dish!
Arugula Cashew Pesto
This easy arugula pesto is inspired by the popular Trader Joe's vegan pesto. Made with fresh basil, peppery arugula, cashews, lemon juice, and garlic, it comes together in minutes and adds bold flavor to pasta, sandwiches, and grain bowls.
5 Minute Sundried Tomato Pesto (Dairy Free)
If you're looking for a flavorful alternative to traditional pesto, this sundried tomato pesto is a must try. Rich, savory, and easy to make, it's perfect for quick meals and meal prep.
Easy Sunflower Seed Pesto
Looking for a substitute for pine nuts in pesto? This quick and easy sunflower seed pesto is the answer. Creamy, flavorful, and totally nut free – perfect for meal prep, pasta, or spreading on sandwiches.
White Bean Pesto
White bean pesto is the perfect pasta sauce or healthy dip. Made with just 7 ingredients and ready in 5 minutes, this dip is naturally vegan, gluten free, dairy free and nut free and sure to please any crowd!
Pea Pesto (Easy Basil Pesto with Frozen Peas)
This pea pesto is a fresh, vibrant twist on classic pesto made with frozen peas, basil, lemon juice, and cashews. It’s thick, flavorful, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Recipe with Basil
Roasted red pepper pesto is an easy twist on 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, or fish.
Creamy Tahini Pesto
Tahini pesto recipe is a simple, healthy, vibrant sauce that is so easy to make! Perfect for pasta, zoodles, pizza, roasted veggies or even as dressing! You are going to love how much flavor this recipe adds to any dish!
Pesto Pasta Recipes
Easy Pasta with Sundried 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.
Pesto Shrimp Pasta (Easy 15 Minute Dinner)
This pesto shrimp pasta is a quick and easy dinner made with just a few simple ingredients. Ready in about 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, flavorful, and low effort.
Pesto Mushroom Pasta
This pesto mushroom pasta is ready in just 20 minutes and combines savory sautéed mushrooms, juicy cherry tomatoes, and pesto for an easy weeknight dinner. The mushrooms and pesto create a rich, flavorful sauce that feels comforting without being heavy.
Artichoke Pesto Pasta
Artichoke Pesto Pasta is an easy recipe that is perfect for dinner or lunch! The homemade artichoke pesto is thick and creamy and makes the perfect pasta sauce. Ready in 20 minutes, it's a great weeknight meal.
Pesto Tuna Pasta
Pesto tuna pasta is one of my favorite ways to turn a can of tuna into dinner. Made with pasta, canned tuna, sundried tomatoes, and pesto, this easy meal comes together in just 15 minutes and is packed with flavor.
Pesto Veggie Pasta
This veggie pesto pasta is loaded with sautéed zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes tossed with pasta and pesto. Ready in 20 minutes, it's a versatile meal that can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature.
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad Recipe
This pesto pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes is fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes. Made with pesto, pasta, greens, and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s the perfect easy summer meal or side dish.
Pesto Shrimp Orzo
Pesto shrimp orzo is an easy 4-ingredient dinner that's ready in just 20 minutes. The tender shrimp, pesto, and creamy orzo create a meal that's simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining.
Easy Pesto Dinner Recipes
Pesto Chicken Skillet
Pesto chicken skillet is easy to make, so 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.
Pesto Crusted Salmon and Veggies
Pesto crusted salmon with veggies is the perfect healthy dinner ready in under 20 minutes! This pesto salmon is gluten free, dairy free, low carb, Whole30 friendly recipe is baked in the oven with asparagus and tomatoes. Perfect for weeknight meals but fancy enough for guests!
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 an easy lunch, appetizer, or light dinner.
Italian White Bean Soup with Pesto
This Italian white bean soup with pesto is cozy, flavorful, and easy to make using simple ingredients and smart shortcuts. Canned beans, frozen vegetables, and store-bought pesto come together for a comforting soup that’s perfect for low-energy nights.
Pesto Side Dishes and Appetizers
Pesto Cauliflower Rice
Pesto cauliflower rice is a simple side dish made with cauliflower rice, pesto, and tomatoes. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's an easy way to add extra vegetables and flavor to any meal.
Artichoke Pesto Hummus
This artichoke pesto hummus is made without chickpeas but still has a creamy, hummus-like texture thanks to hemp hearts or cashews. The combination of artichoke hearts, basil, and lemon creates a flavorful dip that's perfect for vegetables, crackers, or sandwiches.
Tips for Making Homemade Pesto
- Freeze Extra Pesto – Pesto freezes surprisingly well. If you have extra, freeze it in ice cube trays so you can thaw just the amount you need for pasta, grain bowls, sandwiches, or soups.
- Expect the Color to Change – Fresh pesto has the brightest color right after it’s made. As it sits, exposure to air causes oxidation, which can make the top layer look darker. This is completely normal and doesn’t 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 vegetables, but it also helps keep the pesto looking vibrant and green, even after it’s been stored in the refrigerator for a day or two.
- 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, sundried tomatoes, white beans, peas, spinach, arugula, and sunflower seeds can all create delicious variations with their own unique flavor.
- Not All Pesto Recipes Are Oil Heavy – Many traditional pesto recipes rely heavily on olive oil. I prefer a thicker pesto with less oil, which makes it great for spreading on sandwiches, tossing with pasta, and using as a sauce. If you’re used to a thinner, oilier pesto, these recipes may have a slightly different texture than what you’re expecting.
- Save Pasta Water – If you’re using pesto with pasta, always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps loosen thicker pesto recipes and creates a silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
