Pork Free Pesto-Walnut and Almond Stuffed Dates
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. Everything here is built from whole, plant-based ingredients — fresh basil, raw or dry-roasted walnuts, good olive oil, a squeeze of lemon — so there's nothing to second-guess when you're cooking for a crowd with dietary restrictions. The pesto comes together in a food processor in minutes, and the assembly is almost meditative once you get into a rhythm. A drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt at the end elevate the whole thing from snack to something that genuinely looks impressive on a board. If you like a little heat, the optional red pepper flakes add just enough of a kick to balance the sweetness of the dates without overwhelming the other flavors.
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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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