Cashew Free Pesto-Walnut and Almond Stuffed Dates
Medjool dates are nature's candy, and when you stuff them with herby walnut pesto and a whole almond, they become something genuinely special — the kind of appetizer that disappears from the platter before you've even finished arranging them. The pesto here is built on fresh basil, walnuts, garlic, and lemon juice, blended into a coarse, fragrant paste that fills each date's natural pocket perfectly. A single almond pressed into the filling adds a satisfying crunch and a beautiful visual anchor that makes every piece look intentional. The final drizzle of good olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt pull everything together into a sweet-savory bite that feels far more sophisticated than the effort involved. For anyone navigating tree nut concerns around cashews specifically, this recipe is a clean choice — every ingredient is straightforward, and there's no ambiguity about what's going in the bowl. The optional red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that plays brilliantly against the sweetness of the dates if you're feeling bold. These work equally well as a party snack, a cheese board addition, or an indulgent little treat you make just for yourself.
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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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