Use your basil to make this pesto recipe that is super easy, tastes amazing, and uses a secret substitute that means it's cheap enough to eat pesto all winter long! Check out more Quick Healthy Recipes.
Okay, I know you may be thinking, "frugal pesto?" Let me explain. This is the pesto recipe I've made for many years with our garden basil, which I then store in the freezer to last us all winter (we eat it fresh, too, but most of it gets stored).
We use this pesto on artisan bread instead of butter (by the way, if you haven't tried this you really should- but be warned, it can be addicting...), as the sauce on homemade pizza, and in Creamy Pesto Pasta, among other things. This, then, qualifies as one of my Pantry Basics right along with ketchup, mayo, salad dressings, etc. - anything we use regularly that we (use to!) think we had to buy from a store.
The pesto is very easy to make, taking a just few minutes to whir together in a food processor. And of course making it at home with your garden basil is less expensive in it's own right. But that's not what I mean by calling it frugal pesto.
This recipe has an secret, alternative ingredient that drastically decreases the cost of the most expensive ingredient in traditional basil pesto: pine nuts.
The secret? Sunflower seeds. Not walnuts (too strong a flavor) or some other seed or nut I've seen mentioned in other recipes, just mild-mannered sunflower seeds. It's their very neutrality which makes them the perfect substitute, in my book.
But aren't pine nuts essential? I may be a traditional pesto heretic, but I just can't justify the expense. And we're talking three times the cost of sunflower seeds. And I did use pine nuts when I made pesto for the first time years ago - I almost hyperventilated, but I did it to be "authentic."
And you know what? I couldn't even taste the pine nuts inside all the garlic, basil and Parmesan. And if we're going to spend almost $10/lb. for something, we better be able to taste it, right?
The Test
However, I didn't really tell anyone (out of embarrassment? shame? guilt? I'll let you decide...) until the time we had Brian's cousin and his family to dinner. Now this cousin is an incredible gourmet cook and has made us many memorable meals. Most of which he duplicated by taste from some fancy restaurant. In other words, way out of my league.
I served pesto with the bread (what was I thinking?) and he said, "There's something different with this pesto- what is it?"
Uh-oh. Gulp, "I...um...used sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts. Can I get anyone more water?"
And get this- he says, "I don't usually like pesto, but this is really good!"
To say I breathed a sigh of relief is an understatement. So I no longer hold my head down in shame when I say the secret ingredient in my pesto. In fact, I think it's a pretty smart and frugal way to make pesto and we even like it better!
If you're more of a connoisseur than I am, by all means, go with the pine nuts. For the rest of us, let's make a frugal pesto recipe.
Pesto Recipe to Freeze for Winter
Making pesto is so easy. You do have to start with removing the leaves from the stems and washing them, but that goes pretty quickly, depending on the amount you have to use. Then dry the leaves. Here's my tip for drying the basil leaves - and even storing them for longer:
- lay the washed leaves in a layer on a dry tea towel
- roll the towel, with the leaves, up to rest and dry while continuing with the recipe, OR
- if you need to break up the pesto tasks into harvesting/prepping and then making the pesto later, you can place this rolled, damp towel in a large baggie, seal it, and place it in the refrigerator. The basil will last for up to a week (though it's best after about four days)- there may be a few leaves that turn brown, but it keeps them remarkably well.
Then it's just a matter of chopping the garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt and sunflower seeds in a food processor until finely chopped before adding the basil leaves and process as far as you can. With the motor running, slowly pour in extra virgin olive oil. And voila! Homemade pesto.
Freeze Frugal Pesto
Pesto freezes great and is SO nice to be able to enjoy that taste of summer all winter long!
To freeze for later, you simply pour serving-size portions of pesto in containers for the freezer. I've saved little glass jars from things like marinated artichokes over the years specifically to use for freezing pesto and I've not had a problem with breakage since I've been reusing the jars. I like that they're easy to defrost and then serve directly on the table.
Here are two things to do when freezing (that I learned from The Oregonian's food section years ago):
- Add a couple teaspoons of lemon juice to each batch of pesto I'll be freezing- this helps it last longer and stay a brighter green longer after opening (really - when I don't use it, it turns brown almost right after opening!).
- Cover the pesto in the jars with a thin layer of olive oil which acts like a barrier to keep it fresher.
Frugal Homemade Pesto (with Secret Ingredient)
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic peeled
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds*
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 2 ½ cups packed basil leaves washed and dried
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice for freezing to keep pesto a brighter green after opening
- 3/4 to 1 cup olive oil plus more if freezing
Instructions
- Pulse garlic in a food processor until minced. Add seeds, cheese, and salt. Pulse a few times to chop, and then add the basil and continue to process until most is chopped (it's okay if not all is chopped - it will mince as the oil is added). Add lemon juice now, if using.
- With the machine running, add the oil in a fine stream. Process until pesto is smooth. Adjust salt to taste, if needed (less will be needed if using salted sunflower seeds).
- To store in the freezer: pour about a 1/2 cup of pesto into freezer-safe containers, add a shallow layer of olive oil to cover the tops, attach lids, label with date and freeze.
Notes
Nutrition
And please let me know if you try this and like it as much as we do!
Note: This recipe was originally published in 2009 and has been updated with all new photos, formatting, and printable recipe. This special frugal pesto recipe is an AOC classic, showcasing how adapting things to make them doable for wherever you are in life - in this case frugality - sometimes ends up being the better thing. I wouldn't make this with pine nuts now even if I did want to spend the money on them!
More pantry basics recipes you may like:
Blackberry Chia Seed Freezer Jam
Easy Canned Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Marj says
This recipe is dangerously good! I tried it last year and froze most in small jars. The pesto was just as good and colorful when I thawed it this spring as when I made it. I served it at a small dinner party a couple ofmonths ago and it was a big hit. The guests liiked it so much they put it on everything but the dessert.
I made it again this afternoon and had to control myself from gobbling it all down right away. I need to have some for dull winter days. I made one small adaptation to the recipe, and use sunflower butter as I had no seeds. It turned out super, so that may be an alternative for folks. It is one that I will make every summer when I have the large supply of organic basil. A real keeper. Thanks for the recipe.
Jami says
Oh, thank you so much for your review, Marj -that is so good to know!
I'm not surprised at your guests, though, as that happens when I serve it, too. 🙂
Quelle Heure says
Well, I'll be damn*d! I've used sunflower seeds for years, and had a number of very positive complements on the quality of my pesto, so I've stuck to using them, as my go to "nut!" Kudo's to you, I like that. Try cilantro pesto also, the pungent cilantro flavor is toned down a bit...surprisingly good for Mexican dishes! Sometimes I replace Thai basil in a pinch, also very good. JMK
Jami says
Great minds think alike 🙂
Quelle Heure says
I, like you realized the cost of the pine nuts seemed a bit out of whack, and the little buggers turned rancid too quickly...have you tried the cilantro pesto yet? JMK
Deb Sansom says
I have never made pesto before and I have a big beautiful basil plant that I honestly didn't know what to do with...so now I'm excited to try this! I have to make it dairy free so I did a little digging and found that nutritional yeast flakes can replace the parmesan cheese. Can't wait to harvest my basil and make this!
Jami says
Hope you like this, Deb! Also, I know people who leave out the cheese and enjoy it that way.
Ellen says
Have never made pesto and am excited to try your recipe. Everyone tells me not to add the cheese if you are going to freeze the pesto and add it before we use it. Can you tell me if you always add the cheese and then freeze it?
Thank you so much for your help.
Jami says
I always add the cheese before freezing - otherwise it wouldn't be easy to use! My whole extended family also freezes pesto like this, so it's not just me. 🙂
It's just the same after freezing as it is before!
BRITTANY THOMAS says
Do you use freshly grated parmesan cheese? Or the "snow cheese" that comes in the green round cylinder (Kraft brand?) I can't wait to try this with sunflower seeds.
Jami says
You want fresh parmesan for this, though it can be pre-grated. Definitely not the Kraft type cheese which is more of a dried cheese product. I hope you like it with the sunflower seeds like we do!
Michelle says
Could this be made with frozen basil leaves? We had an early freeze and I was frantically stuffing basil leaves into freezer bags late last night. What amount of frozen basil would I use? I usually weigh as I cook so would 4 ounces of frozen be equivalent to 4 cups? (I am wanting to make a double batch)
Thank you so much for your lovely website!! I discovered it when I googled “basil recipe without pine nuts” and have had a delightful time exploring!!
Jami says
So happy to have you exploring, Michelle! Though I actually have no idea if you can make this with frozen basil - I've never even thought about it. 🙂 Though I do get your issue. I think you'll have to experiment with amounts to see what works. Sorry I couldn't be more help!
MPaula says
I added lemon to pesto while I was using it on spaghetti. I liked it so much that I always add it now. Good to know that it helps when freezing. A friend asked for tips for a son allergic to nuts. I suggested sunflower or pumpkin seeds. I have some in the freezer with pepitas. I will consider toasting next time. I am not sure how frugal it is and may not work for freezing, but adding avocado. It adds bulk, keeps it green and doesn`t alter the taste too much.
Jami says
Good tips- thank you!
Kay says
My daughter and I made NINE batches of pesto last evening. Like you, we bypass the pricey pine nuts. We've always used half sunflower seeds, half pumpkin seeds. Freezer is stocked, ready for deliciousness all winter. Thank you for the idea to spread pesto on bread - how easy and impressive to serve to guests.
Jami says
Yay - your seed combo sounds great! And once you get people hooked on pesto on bread, you will be required to serve it like that all the time, ha!
[email protected] says
This looks soo great and I love the tips on freezing! I grow lots of basil in the summers and make pesto every week... but there’s usually never enough to freeze because we eat it on everything! (Fav is chicken pesto salad) The problem is then during the year we don’t have any pesto.. so this year I’m going to try and make tons to freeze, and I’ll definitely add lemon(got to have the green color!) and a layer of olive oil!
Jami says
Yes, it's worth it - we love having it during the winter!
Joan says
Absolutely delicious and I'm sharing it with two friends right now. Will also be sharing with family.
Thank you very much.
Jami says
So glad you like this as much as we do!
Kori says
This is CRAZY delicious!!
Jami says
So glad you like it, Kori!
Tima says
Thank you for your research & great pictures of results! You answered all my freezing basil questions!
Jami says
I'm so glad you found this useful, Tima!
SandraM says
Was looking for a pesto recipe and came across this one. So glad I did. Just made it today. Really delicious!!
Love using sunflower seeds! I always have those in my pantry (for salad toppings). Never have pine nuts.
Thanks! 👍
Jami says
Love it, Sandra - that's why I thought the world needed this adaptation, for those of us who don't have pine nuts (or don't want to buy them!). 🙂
Melissa Storms says
Another great recipe to pin! What a great, cost effective solution. I have used walnuts before and you're right it is a little overpowering. I freeze pesto in ice cube trays and transfer to a baggie, we don't have a deep freeze so space is an issue. I just tried pesto made with garlic scapes instead of garlic at our local farmers market and it was amazing, strong garlic flavor but a little milder maybe?
Jami says
That's a great way to freeze the pesto, too, Melissa. That garlic scape pesto does sound really good!
Melanie says
I just ran a Pinterest search for nut free pesto and came across this recipe. Brilliant! I have a son who is deathly allergic to tree nuts but he loves the taste of pesto and requested it for dinner this month. I've always felt pesto needed that nutty kick so I love the sunflower seed substitution! Thank you so much, from one Oregonian (but now living outside the state sadly) to another. I cant wait to give this a try.
Jami says
I'm so glad this came up for you - I think it will be your family's new favorite!
Patricia says
Just harvested the last of the basil before the frost comes. Had some sunflower seeds to use up and googled to see if they can be used instead of pine nuts. So glad I came upon your recipe. Tried it and it tastes wonderful! I agree with you, I think it tastes better! THAnk you for your recipe, it is a keeper!
Jami says
Yay - I'm glad you found the recipe, too, Patricia!
Suz says
I harvested a superabundance of basil this morning and as I brought it inside I was thinking that I needed to go find a good pesto recipe - where else would I look for garden harvest info than here - Thank you for another wonderful recipe! I also really appreciate the research work you did comparing methods of freezing basil. Your detailed comparisons and reviews, and resulting delicious recipes, make this a go-to site!
Jami says
Oh, that's so sweet, Suz - I'm so glad you are finding AOC useful. 🙂
Patti says
Hi Jami,
Aunt Patti here.... just had to say how much we love the pesto !!! We just used our last jar from the freezer. What a treat to have all winter .
I must confess, the first time I made pesto, I substituted cashews for sunflower seeds. It's delicious! I am a huge fan of garlic... I love the deep garlic flavor in this pesto !
Thanks for sharing your amazing recipes and ideas. Hope all is well with your family, love you !
Jami says
Love you, too Aunt Patti! So glad you enjoy this recipe - we've still got a few precious jars in the freezer. It's been too long, we have to make it to see you guys soon. 🙂
Izzy says
Hi, Thanks for the recipe! Just wanted to check if it's meant to taste so intensely garlicy?? Or did I do something wrong? Thanks! Izzy
Jami says
Some fresh garlic is more spicy than others - and also we love garlic. 🙂 Also, I found that when freezing the garlic is tempered, so just use less if you're eating it right away. Also, feel free to adjust to your tastes!
izzy says
Thanks for the tip! I think our garlic cloves were also unusually big!
Catherine Kramer says
Through the years I have tried many different pesto recipes this one is the best. Love the taste the toasted sunflower seeds bring to it and the lemon makes the frozen version look fresh. It's become a family favorite.
Jami says
Oh, I'm so glad to read this, Catherine, because our family feels the same. 🙂
Kirbi says
Just made this with my basil for freezing and it tasted wonderful! Personally I have stayed away from pesto because I didn't particularly care for the pine nut taste and this was much better (for my taste buds and wallet)!
Thanks for the alternative!
Kirbi
Jami says
Yay- sunflower pesto lovers unite! 😉
Cheryl @ Pasture Deficit Disorder says
Just have to say I just tried this. And...O. M. G. is it wonderful!!! Hubby cut a bowl full of basil this morning and I wanted to find something to with it fresh instead of just drying it. This is going to be a staple for us. In fact, I may need more basil plants now! I'm going to have to write a post about this fab stuff and link back to your page. 🙂
Jami says
I'm so glad you discovered this, Cheryl. 🙂 We agree, it can be addictive - we find lots of things to use it on!
Marie Morris says
I love pesto and just can't stand the price charged for pine nuts, so I made a 1/2 recipe of your pesto using the roasted sunflower seeds, and WOW I wish I'd made about 10 times more. It was so good that I've eaten just about the whole amount I made tonight on toasted french bread. Definitely a recipe worth repeating and thank you so much for posting it. I've subscribed to your blog and look forward to trying more of your delicious recipes!Q
Best regards,
Marie Morris
Coker Creek, TN
Jami says
Wonderful, Marie - I'm so glad you like it and that you are part of our little community here at AOC - thanks for subscribing!
Corrie says
Thanks so much for this recipe! Pine nuts were $37.00 today but sunflower seeds were a mere $3.49. I made a giant double batch with the last of my basil, making one batch, and then adding the ingredients in order again, without scraping out the first batch. It was enough to fill 2 small silicone ice cube trays. Thanks again for the recipe! I'm a fellow Oregonian who loves your blog.
Jami says
Holy cow, $37? Wow, it's been awhile since I've priced pine nuts, Corrie - yikes. So glad you like the recipe - and I always do multiple batches without washing between, too - who has time for that, right? 🙂 Enjoy, sweet Oregon virtual friend!!
Norma says
Tried this over zucchini noodles for lunch (trying not to eat pasta very often). Added chopped fresh garden tomatoes, kalamata olives, a little red onion, and some red pepper flakes. What a good lunch on a hot day! The pesto is really flavorful with just the right balance between the amount of basil, oil, and lemon. I did use walnuts because that's what I had on hand and what I have always used in pesto since, as discussed here, the pine nuts are just too pricey to justify. Next time I'll try sunflower seeds. Thanks for another great recipe! The only problem is whether I can save enough to make it to the freezer! This would taste really good in the winter--a reminder of summer's bounty.
Jami says
Ooo, that sounds wonderful, Norma! Here's to hoping you can save enough to freeze. 😉
Marlene says
I have been making pesto with sunflower seeds for the last couple of years. I started using sunflower seeds instead of nuts since my granddaughter loves to take pesto pasta in her school lunch. The schools are nut free so we had to come up with an alternative to nuts and I decided to try sunflower seeds. Everybody loved the result. Now I make a big batch and freeze small packets for her mom to use to make pesto pasta for her school lunches. Nut free and delicious!
Jami says
I didn't even think about how this would work for nut-free areas, Marlene! Bonus 😉
Mindy says
I'll have to try this. I'm with you, pine nuts are insanely expensive. I made a big batch last week with pecans and almonds. Delicious. I bet the sunflower seeds are fantastic, too.
Jacob says
This is wonderful! I bought sunflower seeds because pine nuts were just to expensive, I had heard that they can be a great substitute. I then found your recipe. I thought, what the heck, I'll double the recipe but ran short of basil! I used a cup of arugala to get to five cups of greens. It worked and adds a slight kick to the pesto. Thank you!
Jami says
Sounds great, Jacob! I like how you used what you have. 🙂
Jackie in Canada says
I love this recipe, & have pinned it as you requested. I will be making it again this year. I found some really wonderful small containers with lids, at a dollar store. They only hold about 1/4 cup each & are perfect for freezing the pesto. I can pull a small container out of the freezer & pop it right into my tomato sauce while it is heating.
Your new photos are great!
Jami says
Thank you Jackie - you're a doll! 🙂
easypeasylifematters says
Sunflower seeds are such a fun twist on pesto! 🙂
Mari Tacheny says
Love your recipes - your salsa is the only kind we make now! Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Wondering if this pesto can be canned instead of frozen? Thanks!
Jami says
Oh, no, there's no pesto that can be home-canned, Mari. It's all low-acid ingredients which would make it a perfect environment for botulism. 🙁
Thank you for the kind words, btw - I'm SO glad you are finding useful recipes!
Sara says
Finally! I have been putting off making pesto simply because of the cost of pine nuts! Thank you for posting this! I have been wracking my brain trying to think of an alternative! Woohoo!
Jami says
So awesome you found this, Sara - I think you'll love it as much as we do, then!
Courtney says
Been on a pesto binge lately--but in my defense, it's really my garden's fault. Basil has exploded this year and I love it.
What I don't love, however, and what also seems to be the bane of many people's existence, is the cost of the pine nut.
I googled "cheap pesto" and clicked on the first link. THANK YOU! Making this recipe tonight.
Jami says
I'm right with you on the pesto-making binge, Courtney! Glad you found my recipe - pretty sure it will become your favorite, too. 🙂
April Southwick says
This looks delicious. Can you use a water bath and process the pesto? I haven't used pesto much and think it sounds delicious, but I have a lack of freezer storage space.
Jami says
Oh, no, April, you can't preserve pesto at home in a canner! There's no save way to do that since there's no real acid in pesto to make it safe. Freezer is about it. 🙁 But you can freeze the pesto in ice cube containers and then remove them to a baggie - they wouldn't take up much room that way.
Julie Pullum says
WOW, I have just made my first batch, thanks again Jami for all your recipes, so clear to follow!
Margo, Thrift at Home says
I am DONE with pine nuts! I stopped using them in pesto years ago (we like walnuts, actually), but I just purchased them for a recipe and I decided that those stupid nuts have no flavor, just expense.
I am definitely going to try your secret ingredient pesto, however.
Jenni says
I made this today and it turned out really well. We can get sunflower seeds for $2/lb, and I was wondering if you could use them - thanks for testing and posting this recipe!
Jami says
Glad to read this, Jenni! Yes, I think a $6/lb price difference (between pine nuts and sunflower seeds) is worth trying out, don't you? 😉
Ash says
I need to use sunflower seeds because hubby is allergic to pine nuts. I'm making some today and going to freeze it. Chicken pesto pasta with sun dried tomatoes tonight
Jami says
Sounds lovely, Ash!
Marleen says
I've made such pesto before, with sunflower seeds.
As I'm also trying out some raw food stuff; and sometimes soaked nuts or seeds are used.. to soften, but also to activate certain content in the seeds (chemistry working!) or even sprout them to enhance even more the natural nutrients.. I wonder (for a batch that day) how that would work with pesto!!
googled & saw also cashews used; or kale with the basil; or spinach..
So there is enough to discover as for variations too. Enjoy!!
Mitch says
Good tip. I too have been using sunflower seeds in my pesto. I usually lightly roast them first.
I also play fast and loose with the basil. I often use... brace yourself... carrot tops! As you say in the article, there are a lot of flavours going on in pesto. You have a bit of room to move with ingredients and you will be surprised at what you can get away with.
Jami says
Ha! You totally got me on that one, Mitch - first I've heard of using carrot tops. 🙂 I do love that you're using what you've got, though - that's right up my alley!
Angela Hunter Geiss says
Thank you so much. I only have sunflower seeds in my cupboard and tons of basil that needs to be processed. Happy Summer!
Dawn says
Hooray for frugal pesto! My whole family loves basil so I grow a lot of it in the garden. We've always made "pesto" without any nuts, because I'm too cheap to buy the pine nuts. Made it with sunflower seeds today and we won't be turning back! Now I'm looking forward to trying your pesto pizza...funny how one recipe keeps leading to another!
Jami says
I'm so glad, Dawn - it's one of our family staples, too!
Stacy says
Wow..this looks wonderful and I can't wait to try it! You have solved a huge problem for me as my guy is allergic to pine nuts and giving up pesto was sad! Oh...and not that you seem to have any trouble with it, but I think the advice to add the lemon juice is to up the acid in the pesto to retard bacterial growth..I am sure it doesn't last long enough to be a problem!
Rachel says
I love adding avocado to my pesto for a more creamy sauce. But like with guac, it will blacken after a day or two in the fridge.
Ive heard another way to keep pesto, freeze in ice cube trays then pop out and keep in plastic bags. When needed pull out as many as needed to thaw.
Jami says
That's the first I've heard of using avocado that way, Rachel! Since avocado's good for you, it's a good idea. 🙂
Rebecca says
Want to try a batch of this before my basil is past. Have you tried it with raw sunflower seeds, or only roasted? Thanks! Oh, I am also planning to try your artisan sourdough bread today,
I have homemade, wholewheat starter that seems to work pretty well. I bet the pesto will be wonderful on that!
Jami says
Yes, I've used raw sunflower seeds - they work the same, so your choice! And YES the pesto is so good on the sourdough - have fun with that! 🙂
Hrodgers says
My pesto came out super thick! I used your measurements. Should I have added more olive oil to thin it out or will it be ok when I use it for recipes? Thanks!
Jami says
The thickness is a personal preference - we often use in on bread and don't like the oil running off. I also make it a bit thicker for freezing because I top it with oil to aid against freezer burn and that gets stirred in when we defrost it. Just add more oil to get the thickness you desire. 🙂
Robyn says
Jami-what do you do with the extra olive oil on top when you serve the pesto? Do you drain it off, or just incorporate it into the pesto? Sounds wonderful and I hope to give it a try, if my basil survives the drought!
Jami says
I actually add less when making the pesto than many recipes call for, so I simply stir it into the pesto when serving. Since it's thicker anyway, it doesn't make it too thin. Oh, baby the basil if you can - you'll be glad you did come winter if you've got pesto. 🙂
KathyJ says
What a great idea! I must admit that I, too, have not wanted to make my own because of the pine nuts price. Thank you! Now I can use the pine nuts in other recipes I've been wanting to try. 🙂
Abbi says
I tried your recipe and I really, really like it!
Miz Liz says
Just have to let you know I made my own Basil Pesto from your recipe AND sunflower sedds! While I use basil from my garden in EVERYTHING, I've never made pesto before! And, from this I discovered I can crunch up sunflower seeds and use them on my salads again....divertic stuff 🙁 Hooray! I love your site and this Super Silver Senior has learned a lot from you! Thanks, Liz
Fruitful Harvest says
So sweet~
I was just going to make my first batch of pesto for my freezer!
I have garden basil to use up!
I will use youe tip on the sunflower seeds! We have them on hand.
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says
Yea! I'm glad you like it, too, Lori. I saw today at the market that pine nuts were $19.99, so I guess I was thinking of what they cost about 10 years ago when I wrote this- sheesh!
Lori says
I made this today. It is so good! And so much cheaper. What a good idea. The pine nuts at my market were 23.99/lb!!! Sunflower seeds are only 3.49/lb. I love pesto but never make it because of the cost. I will definitely be making this recipe all the time now. Thank you.
Abbi says
I can't wait to try this! I have a bunch of basil growing in my garden and all of the other ingredients on hand! (no pinenuts on hand though, so I am glad you found out that sunflower seeds work!)
I am looking forward to trying this on fresh bread.
Linda says
What an informative post! I love the idea of using sunflower seeds. I added your link to Gluten-Free Wednesdays since it was a pesto recipe and I we wanted to get it in this month. Please remember to add a link back. Thanks for participating!
Nony the Slob says
This sounds soooo good! I love pesto.
Jami @An Oregon Cottage says
Thanks, Shirley- I did visit GF Homemaker,but the linky was closed (need to get to my email better...), but I left the url in the comments. Good tip and some great recipes there!
Shannan- Oh, yeah- most canning jars are made for freezing, too, so those are great. I just use the ones I get because I use a lot of the small jars in canning and the little jars are free. I love Ziplock, too, and I think they are fine- I don't heat anything in them and frankly, I couldn't store as much in my freezer without them. So they stay! I'll look forward to your update of the pickles recipe.:-)
Elizabeth- What!! Crazy price. 🙂
Shannan says
I'm totally trying sunflower seeds out! Thanks.
Oh, and any further tips of types of glass to use? I, too, have been trying to move away from plastic (although I do LOVE my Ziploc freezer bags - do you think those are bad?) Do you think canning jar would be okay - like half-pints or jelly jars? I stop by the Goodwill every week or so and I have been getting awesome deals on mason jars lately.
Oh - and I improved your refrigerator pickles recipes by a little (I really love your recipes). I'll post about it soon when I do my recipe post.
Thanks again - glad you are out there!!
gfe--gluten free easily says
This is terrific! I love using sunflower seeds and pesto is a great idea. You should link this to Linda's (Gluten-Free Homemaker) Create a Pesto challenge over at Gluten-Free Wednesdays. 🙂
Shirley
Elizabeth says
Pine nuts here are $23/lb. yikes! Glad to know the secret for frugal pesto for the future!
Kristin says
Sadly, 4 days ago I bought a teeny, tiny jar of pine nuts for around 4 dollars. Now I know the "secret" for next time!
Thanks!
Jenny says
sunflower seeds? Genius! I just about have a heart attack everytime I buy pine nuts (when I can find them that is...). I have tried walnuts and pecans, but both were too strong. My next pesto batch will be made with sunflower seeds.
diXymiss says
Brilliant! I'm glad you came out of the closet, er, pantry with your little sunflower seed secret. Wonderful tips ~ thanX so much for sharing this (my wallet thanX you too). I can't wait to give it a try!
Kalyn says
I'm going to try it!
[email protected] 21st Century Housewife says
I love your idea of using sunflower seeds! We eat a lot of pesto in our house, and I like using different nuts for it like almonds and walnuts instead of pine nuts, but sunflower seeds sound wonderful too. Thank you for sharing!!
StrivingSimply says
That sounds really good! I make a spinach pesto. It's just spinach leaves, walnuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. I freeze them in ice cube trays, and they make awesome single serving pasta sauces. Yum!