Best Pine Nuts Substitutes in Vegan Pesto
This recipe calls for 1.4 oz (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 American kitchens with US cup measurements and °F temperatures.
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