
These stuffed dates are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the platter before you've even finished arranging them. Medjool dates bring a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the herby, garlicky walnut-basil pesto tucked inside each one, and the whole almond pressed into the filling adds a satisfying crunch in every bite. Managing iodine intake often means scrutinizing packaged snacks and restaurant bites, but this recipe keeps things clean and straightforward — every ingredient here, from the fresh basil to the extra virgin olive oil, fits comfortably within low-iodine guidelines. There's no seafood, no dairy, no iodized salt, and no processed additives to second-guess, just whole, simple ingredients doing all the work. The homemade pesto comes together in a food processor in minutes and is genuinely better than anything from a jar. A drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt at the end elevate the whole thing into something that feels genuinely special, whether you're serving guests or just treating yourself to a snack that doesn't feel like a compromise.
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flaky sea salt

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.
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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