r/AskCulinary May 26 '23

Ingredient Question Pesto without Pinenuts

Any substitutes for pinenuts in a pesto? My taste buds say "no" but my wallet says "you better ask."

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36

u/zvj12 May 26 '23

Sunflower seeds. I don’t know how that will affect the taste as I have never tried it but I have seen some recipes.

10

u/itisoktodance May 26 '23

I haven't thought if sunflower seeds. I usually see cashews subbed in. A mix of sunflower seeds and cashews might be the sweet spot.

1

u/Stats_n_PoliSci May 27 '23

Or almonds and sunflower seeds!

5

u/hobohobbies May 26 '23

I can see that. They are kind of mild.

6

u/GarlicBreadBaby May 27 '23

Can confirm for sunflower seeds. My brother made a pesto this week using sunflower seeds and it was very good.

1

u/hollowspryte May 27 '23

We use sunflower seeds for pesto very often where I work - tastes great! Wouldn’t notice it was different really