Photo of Sunflower Seed Pesto by Chef Tyler by WW

Sunflower Seed Pesto by Chef Tyler

6
Points® value
Total Time
5 min
Prep
5 min
Serves
16
Difficulty
Easy
This nut-free pesto uses toasted sunflower seeds as a fresh alternative to the sauce traditionally made with pine nuts.

Ingredients

Fresh basil

2½ cup(s)

Sunflower seeds

½ cup(s)

Garlic

1 clove(s), large

Grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup(s)

Fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp(s)

Olive oil

½ pound(s)

Table salt

1 pinch(es)

Black pepper

1 pinch(es)

Crushed red pepper flakes

tsp(s), (pinch)

Instructions

  1. In a small saute pan, toast the sunflower seeds gently over medium-low heat, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor except the oil. Pulse a few times to break down the basil and seeds. Run the food processor and slowly stream in the olive oil until emulsified. The sauce will be fairly thick.
  3. Yields 1 cup (serving size: 1 Tbsp)