Go Back Email Link
Bowl of pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and basil on wooden table

Dairy-Free Pesto Pasta (Allergy-Friendly, Nut-Free Option): Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Print Recipe
This dairy-free pesto pasta recipe is fresh, simple, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, it includes nut-free, seed-free, and low-risk ingredient swaps so you can adjust based on your child’s tolerance.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta of choice gluten-free if needed
  • 1 –2 tsp olive oil optional, for tossing

For the Dairy-Free Pesto:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves garlic optional
  • 1/4 cup seeds or nut substitute see options below
  • 2-3 tbsp nutritional yeast optional, for cheesy flavor
  • 1-2 tbsp lemon juice optional, but adds a little zest
  • 1/4 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 2-4 tbsp water to thin as needed

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • While pasta is cooking, add basil, olive oil, garlic, seeds (or substitute), nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt to a blender or food processor.
  • Blend until smooth, adding water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • Toss cooked pasta with pesto until evenly coated.
  • Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed and serve warm.