Gluten Free Pesto Recipe (Classic Basil Pesto & Dairy Free Option)

If you’re looking for the best gluten free pesto, you’re in the right place. This vibrant, herb-packed sauce is naturally gluten-free and made with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store — from Trader Joe to Thrive Market. It is a highly requested recipe in my home. My husband and 4 year old son typically fight over the leftovers lol.

Today I’m sharing two versions:

• A classic basil pesto recipe inspired by traditional pesto (pesto genovese)
• A dairy free pesto made without parmesan cheese

Both are packed with fresh flavors and made in minutes in a food processor for best results. I use both of these recipes for my family on a regular basis because I’m dairy intolerant but my husband kids love the classic recipe. So I do double the work, but it is worth it. And truly, you can barely tell the difference in taste between the classic and the dairy free. Both are incredible!

Why This Gluten Free Pesto Is So Good

Traditional pesto is already gluten-free, but when you’re cooking gluten-free, cross-contact matters. And some store bought options do contain gluten. Making your own homemade basil pesto ensures:

• No hidden gluten
• Good quality ingredients
• Better flavor than store-bought free sauces
• The freshest basil pesto possible

This base recipe is perfect for gluten-free pasta, cold pasta salad, chicken cutlets, sheet pan meals, pizza, and more.

Classic Gluten Free Pesto (Traditional Basil Pesto)

Inspired by traditional pesto and the original recipe from Genoa, this version uses parmesan cheese and pecorino romano cheese for a richer flavor and creamy sauce texture.

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup pine nuts
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ cup parmesan cheese (parmigiano reggiano recommended for best flavor)
• ½ cup pecorino romano cheese
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add parmesan cheese, pecorino romano cheese, sea salt, and black pepper. Pulse again.
3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil until smooth and creamy. (Note here that you can just
4. Taste and adjust with another teaspoon of salt if needed.
5. Transfer to an airtight container or safe container and add a drizzle of olive oil on top to preserve color.

Dairy Free Basil Pesto (Vegan Option)

This dairy free basil pesto skips the cheese and uses nutritional yeast for depth. A touch of lemon juice brightens the fresh flavors beautifully. You truly won’t even miss the cheese in this dairy free version. it is so packed with flavor from the basil, garlic, and olive oil!

Main Ingredients

• 1½ cups packed fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 2–3 garlic cloves
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until chopped.
2. Add nutritional yeast, kosher salt, lemon juice, and black pepper. Pulse again.
3. Slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil while blending until smooth. Add a little extra olive oil if needed to reach your desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How to Use Gluten Free Pesto

Here are my favorite ways to use this homemade pesto recipe:

Gluten-Free Pesto Pasta

You can either follow my Gluten Free Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe HERE! Or to make a simpler version, just toss hot pasta (cooked pasta prepared al dente according to package directions) with pesto sauce and a splash of reserved pasta water for a silky finish.

Add:

• Fresh cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella pearls or a fresh mozzarella ball
• Red pepper flakes
• Kalamata olives
• Artichoke hearts

It makes the best gluten free pesto pasta salad or warm pasta dish for a busy weeknight.

Pesto Pizza

Spread over a pizza pan lined with parchment paper instead of italian sauce. Top with:

• Fresh mozzarella
• Red peppers
• Spinach leaves
• Chicken cutlets

Bake on a sheet pan for an easy dinner.

As a Dip or Spread

Serve with gluten-free garlic bread or use on sandwiches.

Storage

Store pesto sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in small portions.

Health Benefits of the Main Ingredients in this Gluten Free Pesto

One of the reasons I love this gluten free pesto so much is that it’s made with simple ingredients that not only taste amazing, but also nourish your body. Let’s break down the health benefits of each of the main ingredients in this basil pesto recipe.

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Fresh Basil Leaves

The star of fresh basil pesto isn’t just about fresh flavors — basil is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Benefits:

• Rich in vitamin K for bone health
• Contains essential oils that support immune health
• Naturally antibacterial
• May support digestion

Using fresh basil leaves instead of dried herbs gives you the best flavor and the highest nutrient content.

Raw Pine Nuts

Pine nuts add a creamy texture and richer flavor to traditional pesto and dairy free basil pesto.

Benefits:

• Healthy fats that support heart health
• Good source of magnesium
• Provide plant-based protein
• Contain antioxidants

For best results, lightly toast them in a dry pan over medium heat to enhance both flavor and digestibility.

Note: If you have a nut allergy, substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds.

Garlic Cloves

Garlic cloves are small but powerful.

Benefits:

• Supports immune function
• Contains allicin, known for antimicrobial properties
• May support heart health
• Helps reduce inflammation

Fresh garlic gives your pesto sauce bold depth and supports overall wellness.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A good quality 100% extra virgin olive oil is essential for both texture and nutrition.

Benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats
• Supports heart health
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Contains antioxidants like vitamin E

Using cold-pressed olive oil ensures the best flavor and maximum nutrient retention.

Parmesan Cheese & Pecorino Romano Cheese

In classic pesto genovese, parmesan cheese (especially parmigiano reggiano) and pecorino romano cheese provide the creamy sauce texture and savory bite.

Benefits:

• Excellent source of calcium
• High in protein
• Contains beneficial probiotics when made traditionally
• Rich in B vitamins

Because these cheeses are aged, they’re naturally low in lactose — which makes traditional pesto easier to digest for many people.

Nutritional Yeast (Dairy Free Option)

In the dairy free pesto version, nutritional yeast replaces cheese while still delivering depth.

Benefits:

• Rich in B vitamins
• Supports energy production
• Naturally gluten free

It gives dairy free basil pesto that signature “cheesy” flavor without using parmesan cheese.

Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest

A small amount of lemon juice brightens the pesto and enhances fresh flavors.

Benefits:

• High in vitamin C
• Supports immune health
• Helps with iron absorption
• Adds natural freshness without extra salt

Adding lemon zest can also intensify flavor without overpowering the base recipe.

Final Thoughts

Whether you make the classic version with parmesan cheese and pecorino romano cheese or the dairy free pesto with nutritional yeast and lemon juice, this gluten free pesto delivers bold, fresh flavors every time.

Scroll to the recipe card below to save this for later — it might just become one of your top posts and the heart of the internet in your kitchen.

If you love this recipe then make sure to check out my Gluten Free Spaghetti Bolognese recipe as well!! And make sure to try this pesto on my Gluten Free Chicken Pesto Pasta. Enjoy!