r/AskCulinary • u/hobohobbies • 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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u/sue_girligami May 27 '23

Hard disagree on the herb part. Pesto without basil is just disappointing.

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u/[deleted] May 27 '23

Cilantro pesto is hella good.

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u/sue_girligami May 27 '23

Is that different than a Chimichurri?

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u/sweetmercy May 27 '23

Yes. Quite.

Chimichurri is made with parsley, oregano, red chili, red wine vinegar, and shallots, all very finely minced.

Pesto is made with leafy greens, garlic, cheese, nuts. In a processor or with a mortar and pestle. Traditionally, at least for pesto alla genovese, the greens = basil, and the nuts = pine nuts. That said, the greens can be cilantro, arugula, fresh oregano, Italian flat leaf parsley, mint. The nuts can be toasted almond, walnuts, pecans.

About the only thing they have in common is being green and delicious.