Cinnamon Free Pesto-Walnut and Almond Stuffed Dates
Medjool dates are nature's candy, and stuffing them with a savory walnut-basil pesto takes them somewhere truly unexpected — sweet, herby, rich, and a little salty all at once. The homemade pesto comes together in a food processor with fresh basil, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, creating a coarse, fragrant paste that nestles perfectly into each date's pocket. A whole almond pressed into the filling adds a satisfying crunch and makes every bite feel intentional and snack-worthy. A final drizzle of good olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt pull everything together, and the optional red pepper flakes give it just enough edge to keep things interesting. For anyone navigating a cinnamon sensitivity, this kind of recipe can be a breath of fresh air — stuffed dates at parties and on charcuterie boards often sneak in warm spices, but every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify. There's no spice blend, no pre-made sauce, and no ambiguity about what's going into the mix. These are elegant enough for a dinner party appetizer but simple enough to throw together on a weeknight when you want something that feels a little special.
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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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