We still have more basil growing in our garden than we know what to do with, and I for one do not want to waste any of it! Since the bf and I are both allergic to almonds, I decided to give pesto a try using a seed we both love — sunflower kernels. I am hooked!
Sunflower-Kernel Pesto
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup sunflower kernels
- 2 1/2 cups packed fresh basil
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- dash of teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Directions:
- Add all items into the food processor except for the olive oil.
- In a constant stream, pour the olive oil into the processor while it is working (if you have one like mine, that doesn’t have that option, you can just mix it all together at once but it will take a little longer to blend).
- Enjoy!
**The recipe produces much more than the amount shown in my pictures. I had already frozen the rest before remembering to photograph. 
What is your favorite way to make pesto?
Jennifer is a 27 year old personal trainer living in Connecticut. She is "Coach Jen" at 
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
This pesto looks good. Typically I make it with basil, parmesan cheese, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. And every now and then I’ll use parsely instead of basil to mix things up. It’s quite yummy too.
thetreadmilldiaries´s last [type] ..Temporarily Placed on the Bench
This looks like an great recipe. I like making pesto with the traditional pine nuts. Walnuts are also great
erics´s last [type] ..Weekend Getaway at the Beach
I love pesto, this really kicks it up a notch. I haven’t made pesto yet, eek!
Nichole´s last [type] ..The Little Things
Twitter: KendraForrest
October 13, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I do love pesto. I should tell my mom about this recipe because she loves sunflower seeds too.
Kendra´s last [type] ..2566lbs- 36lbs Lost This Week- 394lbs Lost Total
Twitter: spabettie
October 13, 2010 at 2:14 pm
I just made basil pesto yesterday!! I love it. yours sounds GOOD !
Kristina @ spabettie´s last [type] ..maple donut french toast
Twitter: nicoleculver
October 13, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I feel like I’m always saying this, but I just caught up on your blog and I love the new site!! and I love this pesto! I usually make mine with some spinach and arugula to give it some extra oomph! I’m going to try yours.
Nicole @ Making Good Choices´s last [type] ..Apple Pie Mini Loaves
Twitter: lauryannraik
October 13, 2010 at 9:30 pm
loving your food posts….guess you’re loving the rebel!
I adore pesto…I do mine with basil, lemon, garlic, oil and pine nuts…spectacular
I just love sunflower, and always looking for new recipes. They sounds like perfectly wonderful Sunflower-Kernel Pesto to me! Thanks for sharing.
Earlean´s last [type] ..Home Kitchen Appliances