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Yes, you can make basil pesto with almonds, and it’s a delicious swap that works beautifully when you don’t have pine nuts on hand.
Almonds bring a mild, buttery crunch that blends right into the garlic, basil, and Parmesan without overpowering anything.
In fact, plenty of home cooks make basil pesto with almonds as their go-to version once they try it.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can make basil pesto with almonds, the short answer is a resounding yes.
In this post, we’ll cover why almonds work so well in basil pesto, how to make basil pesto with almonds step by step, and the little tweaks that keep it tasting fresh every time.
Let’s get into it.
Why You Can Make Basil Pesto With Almonds
You can absolutely make basil pesto with almonds, and here’s why it works so well:
1. Almonds Match Pine Nuts in Texture and Fat
The classic version of pesto relies on pine nuts for creaminess, and almonds deliver that same richness.
Both nuts are high in healthy fats, which is what gives pesto its silky, spoonable consistency.
When you make basil pesto with almonds, the nuts break down into a smooth paste that binds the sauce together just like pine nuts do.
That’s why so many people who make basil pesto with almonds never look back.
2. Almonds Bring a Gentle, Versatile Flavor
Pine nuts have a soft, almost sweet flavor, and almonds sit right next to them on that spectrum.
Blanched almonds are the mildest choice, while skin-on almonds add a subtle toasty depth.
Either way, when you make basil pesto with almonds, the basil and garlic still lead the show.
The almonds stay in the background, supporting the sauce instead of competing with it.
3. Almonds Are Easy to Find and Affordable
Pine nuts can be pricey and sometimes hard to track down, but almonds are everywhere.
That accessibility is a big reason people make basil pesto with almonds in the first place.
You can make basil pesto with almonds using raw, roasted, or even sliced almonds from your pantry.
So you get a fresh batch of pesto without a special trip to the store.
4. Almond Pesto Handles Dietary Needs Well
Almonds are naturally gluten-free, which makes them a friendly choice for many diets.
And if you make basil pesto with almonds and skip the cheese, you’ve got a dairy-free sauce too.
That flexibility is another reason almond pesto has become such a popular variation.
How to Make Basil Pesto With Almonds
Making basil pesto with almonds takes about ten minutes and a food processor.
Here’s the simple process:
1. Toast the Almonds First
Spread about half a cup of almonds on a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes.
Toasting wakes up their natural oils and deepens the flavor of your pesto.
Let them cool completely before blending so the sauce doesn’t turn out warm.
2. Blend the Almonds With Garlic
Pulse the cooled almonds with one or two garlic cloves until they’re finely chopped.
This step ensures no large nut chunks end up in your finished sauce.
3. Add Basil and Olive Oil
Toss in two packed cups of fresh basil leaves and drizzle in about half a cup of olive oil.
Blend, scraping down the sides, until the mixture looks like a bright green paste.
4. Finish With Parmesan and Salt
Add half a cup of grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt, then pulse a few more times.
Taste it and adjust, because the balance of cheese and salt is what makes your basil pesto with almonds sing.
Tips for the Best Almond Pesto
A few small habits make a big difference when you make basil pesto with almonds:
1. Use Fresh, Dry Basil
Wet basil leaves make watery pesto, so pat them dry before they go in the processor.
2. Blanch the Almonds for a Smoother Sauce
If you want an extra-silky texture, use blanched almonds when you make basil pesto with almonds.
3. Store It With a Little Olive Oil on Top
Keep your pesto in a jar with a thin layer of oil over the surface to stop it browning.
So, Can You Make Basil Pesto With Almonds?
You can make basil pesto with almonds, and it’s a rich, flavorful swap that holds up beautifully.
Almonds bring the same creamy texture and gentle flavor that pine nuts provide.
They’re easy to find, affordable, and flexible enough for almost any diet.
So next time you’re out of pine nuts, don’t skip the pesto.
Just make basil pesto with almonds and enjoy every last spoonful.