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A flavorful combo of spinach, artichokes, garlic, lemon, and pumpkin seeds. This dairy-free, nut-free, beautifully green, Spinach Artichoke Pesto is a condiment you will reach for again and again.
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The weather has been absolutely gorgeous here this last week. Temperatures were well above normal, the sun has been shining, and I’ve got spring fever in a bad way. It’s making me crave all things bright and fresh and green!
This Green Vegetable Juice has been in heavy rotation (even the kids like it!) as have salads of every kind. I made these white bean veggie burgers the other night and this Spinach Artichoke Pesto was the perfect accompaniment. It’s super easy – takes just about 5 minutes – so let’s get that flavor going!
Ingredient notes
Traditional pestos usually contain pine nuts. I have a weird aversion to pine nuts. They cause me to have a constant pine taste in my mouth for weeks after eating them.
I’ve discovered that raw pumpkin seeds are my favorite substitution. They have a subtly “cheesy” flavor, so they make a great sub for the parmesan cheese that is usually found in pestos as well.
The use of pumpkin seeds here makes my pesto allergy friendly – dairy-free and nut-free!
If you love pesto, you’ll also love my Pumpkin Seed Pesto and my Kale Walnut Pesto!
How to serve
This fresh, citrusy, artichoke pesto will liven up a variety of dishes.
It’s great mixed with pasta, tossed in a salad, in place of marinara on a pizza, a dip for veggies, spread on crusty bread as an appetizer, or slathered on a veggie burger. The possibilities are limitless.
If you love artichokes, put this tasty pesto on your must-make list!
Vegan recipes using pesto
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the star rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment with your feedback. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
For even more easy family recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Meatless Monday Family Cookbook!
Spinach Artichoke Pesto
Recommended Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) quartered or halved artichoke hearts drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until the desired consistency is reached, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. It should be minced finely, but not completely smooth.
- Taste and adjust for seasoning if necessary.
Nutrition
Nutrition values are calculated using online calculators and are estimates only. Please verify using your own data.
Laura
Oh yes please!! This sounds awesome!
Jenn S.
Enjoy, Laura!
Taylor Kiser
Loving the flavors in this pesto! Just thinking of everything I could put this on! Can’t wait to try it!
Jenn S.
Everything! Thanks, Taylor!
Luci's Morsels
Yum! What a fun twist. I am already imagining all of the goodies I could use this with.
Jenn S.
Thanks, Luci! I just finished up my second batch with some whole wheat crackers!
Nicole
I adore artichokes! So nice to find a pesto recipe that doesn’t contain pine or cashew nuts!
Jenn S.
Thanks, Nicole! I really LOVE pumpkin seeds in pesto. Let me know if you try it!
Emily Kyle
Oh, I love the swap for pumpkin seeds! I bet this would be perfect on just about anything, even just toast! Yum!
Jenn S.
Now I’m craving toast and pesto!!! Great idea!
Mel
Pesto makes for such an easy dinner. We eat it so often. I need to try this version!
Jenn S.
Yes, so easy! Thanks, Mel!
Amanda Brooks
I always think about getting artichokes but don’t really know what to do with them. Now I do!! pinning this to remember
Jenn S.
Yes, get some! So good!
Maria
I am a huge fan of spreads! This recipe looks delish.
Jenn S.
Nothing better than a good sauce/spread to make a meal really shine! Thanks, Maria!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
Love a good pesto! I use so many things other than pine nuts for my pestos, from pumpkin seeds to walnuts, the possibilities are endless and often ever better! Looks delicious!
Jenn S.
Yes, me too! I have a Kale Walnut Pesto on the blog too. And I use a combo of almonds and pumpkin seeds in another one. So versatile! Thanks, Sophia!
Sarah
Such a great idea with the artichoke hearts! I would have never thought about that, I’ll have to give this a try!
Jenn S.
It’s so incredibly flavorful. I hope you love it, Sarah!
Laura
The perfect substitute for people with allergies who love pesto! LOVE it!
Jenn S.
Thank you! I agree!
Dianne
Oooo… I make spinach pesto often, but I’ve never thought to add artichokes to it. Genius!
Jenn S.
It’s so tangy and delicious! Thanks, Dianne!
RFC
I’ve never tried to make my own pesto. But this looks amazingly fresh and delicious!
Jenn S.
Oh, you really should – it’s so easy! And so versatile too! Enjoy!
Mary Ellen - VNutrition
What a great way to make this nut free! I love all pestos so I’m totally trying this, I think I have extra sunflower seeds at home. 🙂
Jenn S.
Thanks, Mary Ellen! I’m sure sunflower seeds would work as well. I hope you love it!
Becky Striepe
Ooh I love this spin on traditional pesto. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Jenn S.
Thanks, Becky! Enjoy!