Best Pine Nuts Substitutes in Vegan Pesto
This recipe calls for 40 g pine nuts, toasted. If you're out of pine nuts or need to adapt the recipe, here are 5 tested substitutes - each with a quantity guide and notes on how it changes the dish.
About This Substitution
Role in this recipe: Texture, richness, topping
Pine nuts are expensive - alternatives are always worth considering for everyday cooking.
5 Substitutes for Pine Nuts in Vegan Pesto
1. Pumpkin seeds
Ratio: 1:1
Nuttier and greener in flavour - toast first. More affordable and actually higher in minerals than pine nuts.
2. Sunflower seeds (toasted)
Ratio: 1:1
Mild and neutral - the most neutral substitute. Least expensive option.
3. Hemp seeds
Ratio: 1:1
No need to toast. Slightly grassy flavour with excellent omega-3 content.
4. Flaked almonds (toasted)
Ratio: 1:1
Different texture (flakes rather than whole) but a great nutty substitute - especially in salads and pasta.
5. Walnuts (roughly chopped)
Ratio: 1:1
More assertive flavour - works best in robust pasta and grain dishes rather than delicate dishes.
View the Full Recipe
See the complete Vegan Pesto recipe for British kitchens with gram measurements and °C temperatures.
Other Recipes Using Pine Nuts
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