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A heavenly 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.
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!
Nut Free
Traditional pestos usually contain pine nuts. I have a weird aversion to pine nuts. I will literally have a constant pine taste in my mouth for weeks after eating them. I’ve discovered that raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are my favorite substitution. They also 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!
A Versatile Sauce
This fresh, citrusy, artichoke pesto will liven up a variety of dishes. 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 atop a veggie burger. The possibilities are limitless. If you love artichokes, put this dairy free pesto on your must-make list!
More vegan sauce recipes
- Pumpkin Seed Pesto
- Sun Dried Tomato Spread
- Southwest Vegan Ranch Dressing
- Easy Cranberry Sauce
- Easy Peanut Sauce
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you tried it, please use the rating system in the recipe card and leave a comment below with your feedback.
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Spinach Artichoke Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can quartered or halved artichoke hearts (drained)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until a sauce is formed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- 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 says
Oh yes please!! This sounds awesome!
Jenn S. says
Enjoy, Laura!
Taylor Kiser says
Loving the flavors in this pesto! Just thinking of everything I could put this on! Can’t wait to try it!
Jenn S. says
Everything! Thanks, Taylor!
Luci's Morsels says
Yum! What a fun twist. I am already imagining all of the goodies I could use this with.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Luci! I just finished up my second batch with some whole wheat crackers!
Nicole says
I adore artichokes! So nice to find a pesto recipe that doesn’t contain pine or cashew nuts!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Nicole! I really LOVE pumpkin seeds in pesto. Let me know if you try it!
Emily Kyle says
Oh, I love the swap for pumpkin seeds! I bet this would be perfect on just about anything, even just toast! Yum!
Jenn S. says
Now I’m craving toast and pesto!!! Great idea!
Mel says
Pesto makes for such an easy dinner. We eat it so often. I need to try this version!
Jenn S. says
Yes, so easy! Thanks, Mel!
Amanda Brooks says
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. says
Yes, get some! So good!
Maria says
I am a huge fan of spreads! This recipe looks delish.
Jenn S. says
Nothing better than a good sauce/spread to make a meal really shine! Thanks, Maria!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite says
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. says
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 says
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. says
It’s so incredibly flavorful. I hope you love it, Sarah!
Laura says
The perfect substitute for people with allergies who love pesto! LOVE it!
Jenn S. says
Thank you! I agree!
Dianne says
Oooo… I make spinach pesto often, but I’ve never thought to add artichokes to it. Genius!
Jenn S. says
It’s so tangy and delicious! Thanks, Dianne!
RFC says
I’ve never tried to make my own pesto. But this looks amazingly fresh and delicious!
Jenn S. says
Oh, you really should – it’s so easy! And so versatile too! Enjoy!
Mary Ellen - VNutrition says
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. says
Thanks, Mary Ellen! I’m sure sunflower seeds would work as well. I hope you love it!
Becky Striepe says
Ooh I love this spin on traditional pesto. I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Becky! Enjoy!