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Nut-Free Broccoli White Bean Pesto

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This nut-free broccoli white bean pesto packs in so many nutrients with minimal effort! It’s a great way to incorporate veggies and important nutrients, like iron, into your baby and toddler’s diet. Quick and easy, fresh, and packed with flavor, it goes perfectly with pasta, sandwiches, pizza, vegetables, salads, and so much more! 

nut free pesto served in a white bowl with a wooden spoon with frozen broccoli, spinach, lemon, and white beans in the background

I absolutely adore pesto. It’s such an effortless and delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients, and its versatility with both the ingredients and uses is unmatchable. Typically, it’s made with fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, and cheese, BUT it’s so much fun to put a twist on the classic, no?

Let’s see..currently, I’m thinking kale, arugula, parsley, red peppers, avocado, pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, gouda, cheddar cheese…you get my point.  Endless possibilities! I highly encourage you to have fun experimenting with different greens, nuts, and cheeses!

collage showing the ingredients and different ways to serve it
 
Having said that, I honestly never thought I’d experiment with adding broccoli, but here we are! Broccoli pesto. If you’re struggling to get your baby or toddler to eat their broccoli, give this sauce a try! And keep playing the exposure game hard! 
 
Also, try switching up the cooking methods for vegetables. Learn how to steam, roast, and steam roast so that the vegetables will be cooked perfectly for babies and toddlers.
 
Both frozen or fresh broccoli will work. Spinach is also a great leafy green veggie to add because it’s mild in flavor. It’s a great one to start with, and if you’re feeling adventurous like me, try venturing out and experimenting with other greens. I’d probably add less though just so the flavor isn’t too overpowering.

a close up shot of the nut free pesto in a white bowl with a wooden spoon

Spread this baby-friendly pesto on pizza, pasta, sandwiches, veggie, mix it into dips (like Greek yogurt, guacamole), drizzle over scrambled eggs, mix into salad dressings, use as a marinade for meat or fish. I’m pretty sure I’ve left out something.

Other Baby-Friendly Dips/Sauces:

Did you make this baby and toddler-friendly Nut-Free Vegetable Muffins? Follow me on Instagram post a photo and tag me, post a photo on my Facebook page, or save it to Pinterest. I love to see what you’re making!

Broccoli White Bean Pesto

This nut-free broccoli white bean pesto packs in so many nutrients with minimal effort! It’s a great way to incorporate veggies and important nutrients, like iron, into your baby and toddler’s diet.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

Ingredients

  • 2 cups steamed broccoli florets
  • 1 small garlic clove , can use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup packed basil leaves
  • 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (can use other white beans)
  • 1 cup packed spinach
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan can add less, leave out all together, or add nutritional yeast
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  • In food processor or blender, process all the ingredients, scraping the sides periodically, until blended and smooth
  • While the machine is running, add the olive oil.
  • Can add more oil/water if thinner consistency desired.

Notes

 
  • If you are feeling a bit nervous that garlic might be too spicy for your baby, you can add less or leave out entirely, if you wish. But I highly encourage you to add a little bit! It's a great flavor exposure 😉
  • If you can't get your hands on fresh basil, then you can use 1/2 cup spinach instead. But if you are able to, I highly encourage you to try it in this recipe! Adds a delightful dimension to the dish

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcal | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1mg
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

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About Min

Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our miracle baby, Caleb. Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding his little tummy and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

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Comments

  1. Jaime says

    Awesome! I can’t wait to try this! Do you happen to know how long it’ll last in the fridge?

    • Min says

      Yay! Hope you guys enjoy! It can keep in the fridge for up to a week. I’d drizzle some oil over the top and then seal. I also like to freeze them in ice cube trays so I can just pop out however much I need!