Homemade Pistachio Butter Recipe (2 ingredients) – Sports Dietitian Created
If you’re looking for a simple, nut butter recipe that any athlete can whip up – then this homemade pistachio butter is it – you only need 2 ingredients to make it and its ready in minutes. As a registered dietitian and board-certified sports dietitian, pistachios are one of my favorite nuts to recommend as, unlike most nuts, pistachios contain all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete plant protein. That means it they can support muscle repair and recovery after exercise.
Whether you’re spreading it on a bagel before a long run, stirring it into a post-workout smoothie, or pairing it with fruit for a quick snack, this pistachio butter earns a permanent spot in your athlete kitchen. Grab your food processor and let’s make it.
Why I Love this Recipe as a Sports Dietitian
Pistachios provides all nine essential amino acids, making it one of the few plant-based complete protein sources and a great option to support muscle recovery.
Here’s what you get in every 2-tablespoon serving:
- 5 grams of complete plant protein
- 3 grams of dietary fiber to support gut health
- Heart-healthy unsaturated fats – about 90% of the fat in pistachios is unsaturated
- High in antioxidants: Pistachios are surprisingly rich in antioxidants and even higher in antioxidants than certain berries and veggies like beets. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation caused in athletes.
- Rich in Sleep Hormone Melatonin: Did you know pistachios are a good source of melatonin? In fact, considered one of the best sleep-promoting foods.
The Grocery List: What You’ll Need to Make Pistachio Butter
- A bag of pistachios, I used Wonderful Pistachios, No Shells, Roasted and Unsalted
- Avocado or olive oil
How To Make Pistachio Butter (Step-by-Step)
- Blend the pistachios: Add your shelled pistachios to a food processor and blend for about 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Add oil by the spoonful until your pistachio butter reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Process for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Spread on whole-grain toast, mix into smoothie bowls, or pair with fruits and veggies. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or fridge for up to 4 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Pistachios contain a trio of good-for-you nutrients unsaturated fat, dietary fiber, and plant protein. They are a delicious and nutritious food to include into your post-workout snack line-up. Oftentimes, athletes struggle to get in enough total calories each day during periods of high-intensity training – pistachio butter can help fill in nutrient and calorie gaps easier.
You can use either. Roasted pistachios will give your butter a slightly deeper, nuttier flavor. Just make sure they’re unsalted to keep it healthier and heart-healthy approved.
You don’t have to add oil to the pistachio but typically it won’t result in a super creamy nut-butter like consistency you might be used to consuming from the store. Adding a small amount of avocado oil is optional but recommended as it can make the butter way creamier. Plus we are using avocado oil which is a heart-healthy monounsaturated oil.
Store your pistachio butter in an airtight container. Stays fresh for about 2 weeks in a sealed jar in the pantry or for up to 4 months when stored in the fridge.
Eat pistachio butter with a piece of fruit like a banana, apple, or pear. Smear it on a slice of toast or drizzle it on a waffle or pancake. Add a scoop of pistachio butter onto your bowl of oatmeal or chia pudding. You can whip up our famous Pistachio Butter Cookie Dough Bites using pistachio butter.
Homemade Pistachio Butter
Ingredients
- 2 cups no-shell pistachios, roasted and unsalted
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
Equipment
- 1 Food processor
Instructions
- Blend the pistachios: Add your shelled pistachios to a food processor and blend for several minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add oil: For a slightly creamier texture, add 1-2 tbsp avocado oil and blend again.
- Serve and enjoy: Spread on whole-grain toast, mix into smoothie bowls, or pair with fruits and veggies. Store in an airtight container for up 1 month.
