Paleo Herby Almond Pâté (Easy Spread)
When you think of almonds, you might picture a quick snack or perhaps a Paleo-friendly baking ingredient. But did you know you can also turn them into a delicious, savoury spread? This Herby Almond Pâté is a revelation — creamy, fresh, packed with flavour, and entirely free from grains, dairy, and legumes. It’s a brilliant alternative to traditional dips and spreads, and it fits seamlessly into any Paleo lifestyle.
Almonds truly are one of the most versatile foods in the world and serve as lifesavers for those following a Paleo diet. Whether you use them for Paleo baking as a replacement for flour or enjoy them as a dip for veggies, you might be surprised to discover they make a delicious Herby Almond Pâté. This pâté works great as a dip for crudités or as a standalone appetiser.
Herby Almond Pâté
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds soaked overnight
- 50 ml olive oil
- 40 ml apple cider vinegar or 20 ml cider vinegar + 20 ml lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp raw honey optional
- Good pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Drain and Rinse: First, drain and rinse the almonds that have been soaked overnight. This step is crucial to soften the almonds and make them easier to blend.
- Combine Ingredients: Next, add the drained almonds to the food processor along with olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or the cider vinegar and lemon juice mix), fresh basil, fresh parsley, garlic cloves, raw honey (if using), and a good pinch of sea salt.
- Blitz: Then, blitz the ingredients until they are well combined. I found that around 30 seconds was plenty to achieve a perfect blend, with the flavours combining beautifully and a nice crunch still present in the pâté. However, if you prefer a smoother consistency, blend for a little longer.
- Serve: Finally, transfer the herby almond pâté to a serving dish. This dip pairs perfectly with crudités or can be enjoyed on its own as a delightful appetizer.
Why Make a Paleo Almond Pâté?
Pâté is often associated with liver-based spreads or creamy cheese-filled dips — neither of which typically fit within a Paleo framework. But with just a handful of simple, natural ingredients, you can make a version that delivers on both flavour and texture without compromising your dietary goals.
This almond-based pâté is ideal for those looking to boost their healthy fat intake while enjoying a satisfying and versatile appetiser. It’s nutrient-dense, rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and protein, and thanks to the addition of fresh herbs, it also packs a fragrant punch that elevates it far beyond your average dip.
The Benefits of Almonds in a Paleo Diet
Almonds are a Paleo pantry essential for good reason. They are naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and packed with nutrients. Here’s why almonds are a perfect fit in this recipe:
- Healthy fats: Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, which support heart health and help with satiety.
- Protein: They provide a good plant-based protein source, ideal for those avoiding legumes.
- Fibre: Aiding in digestion and helping to stabilise blood sugar levels.
- Micronutrients: Including vitamin E, magnesium, and manganese.
When blended with fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, almonds take on a creamy consistency with a savoury, nutty base. The result? A spreadable dip that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.
Choosing Your Herbs
The real beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. While the base is almonds, olive oil, and lemon juice, the herbs you add will shape the overall flavour. You can keep it classic with parsley and chives, or get creative with basil, coriander, or even dill.
Some of our favourite combinations include:
- Parsley and chive: Fresh, grassy, and beautifully balanced.
- Coriander and mint: For a Middle Eastern-inspired twist.
- Basil and lemon thyme: Perfect in summer with grilled vegetables or fish.
- Dill and tarragon: A bolder, more aromatic blend that pairs well with seafood.
For a heartier, slightly spicier variation, you can even add in a touch of cumin or smoked paprika to the mix.
Tips for the Perfect Texture
The consistency of this almond pâté depends on how long you soak your almonds and how powerful your food processor or blender is. Soaking the almonds overnight in water helps soften them, making it easier to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If you’re short on time, a quick soak in boiling water for an hour will do the trick, although overnight is preferred.
Here are a few tips to achieve the best texture:
- Use raw, unsalted almonds for a neutral base flavour.
- Soak the almonds for 8–12 hours and drain thoroughly before blending.
- Add lemon juice gradually — this brightens the flavour and helps thin the mixture.
- Drizzle in olive oil slowly while blending for a smoother, emulsified texture.
If your pâté turns out too thick, add a small amount of filtered water or more olive oil until it reaches your preferred consistency. Some people prefer it as a firm spread, while others like it more dip-like. It’s entirely up to you.
How to Serve Herby Almond Pâté
One of the best things about this pâté is how versatile it is. It’s equally at home as a dip on a grazing board or as a topping for roasted vegetables or grilled meat. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
- Serve with crudités: Sliced cucumber, carrot, celery, or capsicum sticks work perfectly.
- Spread on Paleo crackers: Great for a picnic, snack board, or light lunch.
- Stuff into lettuce cups: Add shredded chicken or roast beef and roll up for a satisfying bite.
- Pair with eggs: Add a dollop to your morning scrambled eggs or frittata.
- Use as a dressing base: Loosen with water and drizzle over roasted veggies or grilled meat.
Storage and Meal Prep
This pâté keeps well in the fridge for 4 to 5 days in a sealed container. As it sits, the flavours develop and intensify, making it even more delicious the next day. It’s perfect for meal prep — make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week as a flavourful addition to your meals and snacks.
You can also freeze it in small portions. Use silicone moulds or ice cube trays to freeze individual servings, then pop them out and store in a freezer-safe container. Defrost overnight in the fridge or for a few hours on the counter before serving.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve tried the base version, feel free to experiment with variations. Here are some ideas to keep things interesting:
- Roasted garlic: Swap raw garlic for roasted garlic to mellow the flavour and add depth.
- Sun-dried tomato: Blend in a few oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
- Olive tapenade-style: Add chopped olives and capers for a briny, umami hit.
- Spiced almond pâté: Stir in ground cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika for a bold, warming variation.
Final Thoughts
This herby almond pâté is a fantastic addition to any Paleo menu. The combination of raw almonds and fresh herbs creates a nutritious and delicious dip that’s both versatile and easy to prepare. Whether served with veggies or enjoyed solo, this pâté is sure to impress.
With just a handful of ingredients, a blender or food processor, and a few minutes of prep, you can create a satisfying spread that’s rich in nutrients, free from inflammatory ingredients, and packed with flavour. Whether you're entertaining, meal prepping, or simply want a new go-to snack that fits your Paleo goals, this recipe is a must-try.
Have you tried making almond pâté before? Share your experiences and any variations you enjoy in the comments below — and finally — enjoy your pâté!
Made this herby almond pâté and it was a hit! The blend of basil and parsley with the almonds created a lovely flavour. Great as a dip with veggies. Thanks for the recipe!