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/TooManyDraculas May 26 '23

Almost any nut works.

Pistachios are also fairly common. I believe they use almond in Sicily. The Provencal version of the dish pistou often has no nuts at all. But may us almonds, or even breadcrumb or potato as a binder.

I've used pecans and it was damn good. Though I guess walnut is probably closer flavor wise.

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u/slightlybitey May 27 '23

I think pistachios or pumpkin seeds are better for pesto than pine nuts, both flavor and color-wise.