Lupin Free Pesto-Walnut and Almond Stuffed Dates
Sweet, savory, and just a little bit fancy, these stuffed dates are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the platter before you even sit down. Medjool dates are split open and loaded with a coarse walnut-basil pesto, then crowned with a whole almond for a satisfying crunch in every bite. The homemade pesto comes together in a food processor in minutes — just basil, walnuts, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt — so you know exactly what's going into it with no mystery fillers or additives to worry about. A final drizzle of good olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt pull everything together, and a scatter of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick if you're into that. Lupin flour and lupin-derived ingredients have quietly crept into a surprising number of packaged snacks and dips, making store-bought options trickier to navigate than they should be. Making these at home keeps everything clean and straightforward, relying only on whole nuts, fresh herbs, and fruit. They work beautifully as a party snack, a cheese board addition, or an anytime treat when you want something that feels indulgent without a lot of effort.
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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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