Anti Inflammatory Pesto-Walnut and Almond Stuffed Dates
These stuffed dates are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the platter before you even sit down — naturally sweet, herbaceous, and just a little bit fancy without requiring much effort. Each Medjool date is filled with a coarse walnut-basil pesto made with extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon, then anchored with a whole almond for a satisfying crunch in every bite. Every single ingredient here pulls its weight from a wellness standpoint: walnuts and olive oil bring omega-3s and healthy fats, fresh basil and lemon add brightness alongside their antioxidant properties, and almonds contribute vitamin E and a clean source of protein. There's no dairy, no refined sugar, and no processed fillers — just whole foods doing what they do best. A finishing drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt tie everything together, and a scatter of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick if you want it. This recipe makes 18 stuffed dates, serving 6, so it's perfectly sized for a dinner party starter or a snack board centerpiece. It's proof that eating with your inflammation in mind doesn't have to mean sacrificing the dishes that make people lean across the table and ask for the recipe.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the dates
- 18 medjool dates
- 18 whole almonds, raw or dry-roasted
For the pesto
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ cup walnuts, raw or dry-roasted
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
For serving
- 1–2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- flaky sea salt, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Pit the dates if not already pitted: use a small knife to make a lengthwise slit along one side of each date and remove the pit, keeping the date intact and pocket-shaped.
- 2
Combine the basil, walnuts, garlic, 3 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times, then scrape down the sides and process until the mixture forms a coarse, spreadable paste — it should hold together when pressed but still have visible texture.
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