Nomato sauce recipe (Vegan, AIP nightshade free)

If you’re searching for a delicious, tomato-free alternative to marinara sauce, this Nomato sauce recipe is a game-changer. Made from simple vegetables like carrots, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes, it’s incredibly similar in taste and texture to traditional tomato sauce, so much so that you might even trick your tomato-loving friends! This Nomato sauce recipe is perfect for those following the Autoimmune Paleo Protocol (AIP), Whole 30, or a nightshade-free diet, and it’s also low in histamines, making it ideal for anyone with sensitivities.

Years ago, when a family member found out they are sensitive to veggies from the nightshade family, I set out to recreate some of his favorite recipes in a nightshade free version. I quickly realized just how essential a good tomato free marinara sauce is for a LOT of recipes. We all know we need tomato sauce for pasta, but until I had to recreate our family favorite recipes, I never truly realized just how many of our favorite recipes have tomatoes in them.

Coming up with a great tomato free marinara sauce became my mission, and it took quite a few tries to get it just right. This sauce is great for any recipes! Try it with pasta, stews, or anything else where you would normally use tomato sauce.

Whether you’re avoiding tomatoes for health reasons or just want to try something new, this tomato-free sauce (AIP, Whole 30, vegan, nightshade free) recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Marinara sauce without nightshade vegetables 

This Nomato sauce recipe is not only delicious but also meal prep-friendly, which means you can whip up a big batch to use throughout the week or freeze for future meals. It’s perfect as a Nomato pasta sauce, pizza sauce, or a base for casseroles, giving you a versatile and flavorful addition to your meal rotation.

For those looking for a tomato-less marinara, this sauce satisfies cravings without the acidity of tomatoes, making it gentle on the stomach and a great option for those with autoimmune concerns. It’s packed with nutritious vegetables, and it even comes together in under an hour, making this a go-to for busy weeknights. 

With easy to find simple ingredients making a delicious tomato sauce substitute has never been easier. We’re talking completely nightshade-free marinara sauce perfect for anyone with a nightshade intolerance. And the best part is that this aip nomato sauce recipe not only looks like real tomato-based pasta sauce, it also tastes like real spaghetti sauce.

Tomato-free pasta sauce for those who are not a big fan of beets

If you’re looking for a Nomato sauce without beets, don’t worry—this version is just as flavorful and still offers that rich, deep color thanks to other vibrant vegetables. With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that this Classic Nomato Sauce recipe is quickly becoming a favorite in many kitchens. Plus, the fact that it’s Whole 30 and vegan-friendly makes it perfect for just about any diet.

This “No”mato sauce is so versatile and rich in flavor that you’ll never miss the tomatoes, and it’s a fantastic option for anyone following a low histamine diet. Give this recipe a try, and see how effortlessly you can enjoy your favorite Italian dishes, without the tomatoes! 

Tip: use this tomato-free pasta sauce for all your Italian food recipes, or as a substitute for any recipes that require the read deal. You can easily swap the traditional red tomato sauce for this easy nightshade-free recipe. It’s the simplest way to create a delicious meal for all family members!

In this classic nomato sauce recipe we’re covering 

What is tomato Nomato sauce?

Nomato sauce is a tomato-free alternative to traditional marinara sauce. It’s perfect for those who need to avoid tomatoes due to dietary restrictions, autoimmune disease, like those following an autoimmune protocol or who are on a low-histamine diet. Despite missing tomatoes, it’s packed with flavor, using ingredients like carrots, celery, and butternut squash to create a rich, savory sauce that’s surprisingly similar to classic tomato sauce! Without using any nightshade ingredients this sauce tastes like the real deal!

Why you will love tomato free marinara sauce 

You’re going to love this Nomato sauce recipe because it captures all the rich, comforting flavors of classic marinara without any tomatoes. It’s made with wholesome, flavorful ingredients like carrots, celery, and butternut squash, which provide a delightful depth and natural sweetness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for anyone following an autoimmune protocol, a low-histamine diet, or just looking for a fresh take on pasta sauce. It’s easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

What is Nomato sauce made of

Nomato sauce is a fantastic tomato-free alternative for those avoiding tomatoes or nightshades. It’s typically made from a blend of veggies like carrots, celery, butternut squash, and sometimes sweet potatoes. These ingredients are cooked together with garlic, onions, and a splash of red wine vinegar for a rich, savory flavor. Some recipes also include herbs and a touch of honey or maple syrup for added depth and sweetness. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a marinara-style sauce without the tomatoes!

More Than Just AIP: Nomato Sauce Recipe for Various Dietary Restrictions

While this Nomato sauce recipe is perfect for those on an AIP diet, it also meets other specific dietary needs with minimal changes. For a low FODMAP version, omit garlic and onion and replace them with garlic-infused oil and the green tops of scallions. To make it keto-friendly, skip the sweet potatoes and carrots and use cauliflower and zucchini to reduce carbs while still getting that thick, hearty texture.

This recipe is already vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and Whole30-compatible, but it can easily be adapted for a broader range of health-conscious diets. If you’re cooking for someone with histamine intolerance, ensure you use freshly cooked ingredients and skip vinegar — try using lemon juice instead for a similar bright note.

What You Will Need to make Nightshade Free, AIP/PALEO Classic Nomato Sauce 

One of the great things about this aip traditional marinara sauce is how easy it is to make. You probably don’t need to run to the health food store to get anything. These simple ingredients can be found at most grocery stores or supermarkets.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients in this easy Nomato sauce recipe and what each one adds to the delicious low histamine sauce:

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1.5 tablespoons / 22.5 ml):  

   Olive oil adds a smooth, rich base to the sauce, enhancing the flavor of the vegetables as they cook. It also provides healthy fats, which are great for absorbing the fat-soluble nutrients in the veggies.

2. Onion or Red Onion (1 large, diced / about 200g):  

   Onion forms the base of many sauces, adding natural sweetness and depth to the flavor. It helps create a savory foundation that mimics the flavor you’d expect in a tomato sauce. Red onion offers a slightly milder and sweeter flavor compared to yellow onions, making it perfect for this sauce.

3. Garlic (5 cloves, sliced / about 15g):  

   Garlic brings a rich, aromatic depth and subtle spiciness to the sauce. It boosts the overall flavor, making the sauce taste more complex and savory. Alternatively, you can substitute with garlic powder which is still good on an AIP diet.

4. Carrot (1 cup, diced / about 130g):  

   Carrots add natural sweetness and a vibrant color to the sauce. Their slight sweetness helps balance out the savory flavors and the acidity of the vinegar, making the sauce well-rounded.

5. Celery (1 cup, diced / about 100g):  

   Celery contributes a mild, herbal flavor and adds texture to the sauce. Its fresh and slightly bitter taste complements the sweetness of the other vegetables and gives the sauce a more complex flavor profile.

6. Butternut Squash (1 cup, cubed / about 140g):  

   Butternut squash provides a creamy, sweet flavor and thickens the sauce, giving it a smooth texture that’s reminiscent of a traditional tomato sauce. It also adds a lovely golden color to the dish.

7. Purple Sweet Potato (1 medium-sized, finely cubed / about 130g):  

   Purple sweet potato adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce. Its starchiness helps thicken the sauce while maintaining a lower histamine content, as it’s less likely to trigger sensitivities compared to nightshades like tomatoes.

8. Italian Spice Mix or Seasoning Blend (1 tablespoon):  

   The Italian spice mix (which typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme) adds an herbal and aromatic depth to the sauce, mimicking the traditional Italian flavors found in marinara sauce. If you can’t find an Italian seasoning blend at the grocery store you can simply mix your own with the ingredients mentioned above.

9. Red Wine Vinegar (1/4 cup / 60ml):  

   Red wine vinegar gives the sauce a subtle tanginess, balancing the sweetness from the vegetables. It mimics the acidity you’d expect from tomatoes, adding brightness to the sauce without overwhelming it. Alternatively, you can substitute with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

10. Honey or Maple Syrup (1 teaspoon / 5g):  

    A touch of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option) balances the acidity from the vinegar, bringing a slight sweetness that makes the sauce well-rounded. It also enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and squash.

11. Water (2 cups / 480ml):  

    Water helps the sauce simmer and blend all the ingredients together. It also ensures the sauce doesn’t become too thick, creating a smooth, saucy texture that can coat pasta or serve as a base for various dishes.

Together, these ingredients create a delicious, low histamine sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and rich in flavor—perfect as a replacement for traditional tomato sauces.

Tomato sauce alternative tips and tricks 

Here are some tips and variations for making Nomato sauce:

1. Easy Substitute: If you prefer a quicker option or don’t have butternut squash on hand, you can use canned pumpkin as a substitute. It provides a similar texture and sweetness, making it a great alternative that blends well into the sauce.

2. Blending Options: For a smooth and creamy texture, blend the sauce using a traditional blender or high-speed blender. Alternatively, an immersion blender can be used directly in the pot while the sauce is still warm. This method allows for easy blending without transferring the sauce, saving you cleanup time.

3. Canned Substitutes: If you need alternatives, canned beets can replace the purple sweet potato, adding a touch of earthy sweetness. The red beets add a nice color to the bright reddish-orange blend of color. You can also use canned unsweetened pumpkin if you’re out of fresh options. Both substitutions will still keep the sauce rich and flavorful.

4. Meal Prep: Make a larger batch of Nomato sauce and freeze portions for later use. This sauce is perfect for meal prep, offering a nightshade-free marinara option that’s ready to go whenever you need it. Just thaw and reheat for a quick and convenient meal. Store the sauce in wide mouth mason jars in the refrigerator until you are ready to use. Alternatively, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container.

5. Add flavor: If you enjoy a cheesy flavor to the no tomato paste sauce you can add a cheesy flavor addition of nutritional yeast. Add the nutritional yeast at the same time you add the Italian seasoning. The good news is a little bit of nutritional yeast adds extra vitamins to the sauce!

How to Balance Acidity Without Tomatoes in a Tomato-Free Pasta Sauce

One of the challenges with any Nomato sauce recipe is recreating the bright acidity that tomatoes naturally offer. This tomato-free pasta sauce cleverly mimics that tartness using red wine vinegar, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a bit of brightness. These ingredients help create the savory depth and tang typically found in traditional marinara.

For a more nuanced flavor, you can also add a touch of unsweetened cranberry juice or pomegranate molasses, both of which offer natural acidity without compromising AIP or nightshade-free requirements. These flavor balancing techniques make this nightshade-free marinara taste remarkably similar to tomato sauce — tangy, sweet, and deeply savory.

Extra flavor tip

Another way to build complexity is by introducing umami. While this recipe is naturally umami-rich thanks to garlic and onions, you can deepen the flavor further with nutritional yeast, coconut aminos, or even a pinch of dried mushrooms (if tolerated). These additions help balance sweetness, enhance savoriness, and bring out the sauce’s “real marinara” feel—without needing tomatoes or nightshades.

Nomato sauce recipe 

This delicious tomato-free marinara sauce is so rich and flavorful that you won’t believe it’s completely free of tomatoes! Perfect for those following a paleo, AIP, vegan, or nightshade-free diet, this Classic Nomato Sauce has all the savory depth and satisfying taste of traditional tomato sauce. It’s so close to the real thing, even your tomato-loving friends and family won’t be able to tell the difference. Whether you’re using it for pasta, pizza, or any other dish, this sauce is sure to impress!

Nomato sauce recipe ingredients:

• 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion or red onion, diced (about 200g)
• 5 cloves garlic, sliced (about 15g)
• 1 cup carrot, diced (about 2 medium carrots, 130g)
• 1 cup celery, diced (about 100g)
• 1 cup butternut squash, cubed (about 140g)
• 1 medium-sized purple sweet potato, finely cubed (about 130g)
• 1 tablespoons Italian spice mix or seasoning blend 
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (60ml)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for vegan option (5g)
• 2 cups water (480ml)

How to make Nomato sauce recipe: easy Nomato pasta sauce 

1. Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, purple potatoes, and squash. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. If the veggies start to stick, add a splash of water.

2. When the onions turn translucent, stir in the salt and dried herbs. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes.

3. Pour in the red wine vinegar and cook for a few minutes until the vinegar has evaporated.

4. Add water and honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option). Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the carrots, potatoes, and squash are soft.

5. Once the vegetables are tender, take the pot off the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

6. Blend everything into a smooth sauce using an immersion blender or carefully transfer it to a blender. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and black pepper if needed. 

Instructions for the Instant Pot:

    1.    Sauté Mode:

Turn the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, purple potatoes, and squash. Stir frequently and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions begin to soften. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

    2.    Add Herbs & Seasoning:

Stir in the dried herbs (thyme, basil, oregano, and rosemary) and salt. Sauté for another minute to let the flavors meld.

    3.    Deglaze with Vinegar:

Pour in the red wine vinegar and cook for 1-2 minutes until most of the vinegar has evaporated.

    4.    Add Remaining Ingredients:

Add the water and honey or maple syrup, stirring to combine.

    5.    Pressure Cook:

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Pressure cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 10 minutes.

    6.    Natural Release:

Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot do a Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.

    7.    Blend the Sauce:

Open the lid and allow the contents to cool slightly. Use an immersion blender directly in the Instant Pot to blend the sauce until smooth, or transfer the mixture to a blender if needed. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper to taste.

    8.    Serve or Store:

Your Nomato sauce is now ready to serve or store. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

This method is quick and allows the vegetables to soften perfectly under pressure, making it even easier to blend into a smooth, delicious sauce!

Tip: Store the sauce in wide mouth mason jars in the refrigerator until you are ready to use. Alternatively, you can freeze the sauce in an airtight container.

Tomato-Less marinara sauce recipe variations 

Here are some ideas for variations and extra add-ins that are low histamine and AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) friendly for your delicious Nomato sauce recipe:

1. Zucchini

   – Why: Adds extra texture and mild flavor while keeping the sauce light. Zucchini is AIP-friendly and low histamine, making it a great addition.

   – How to add: Dice and sauté with other vegetables at the start of the recipe.

2. Leeks

   – Why: Leeks provide a mild onion-like flavor and enhance the depth of the sauce. They’re a great low-histamine alternative to onions.

   – How to add: Substitute or mix with onions and sauté along with garlic at the beginning.

3. Parsnips

   – Why: Parsnips add a natural sweetness and help thicken the sauce. They offer a slight nutty flavor, adding complexity without introducing histamines.

   – How to add: Dice and sauté along with the carrots and celery.

4. Cauliflower

   – Why: Cauliflower adds creaminess when blended, making the sauce thicker. It’s a great low-histamine, AIP-friendly addition to boost nutrition.

   – How to add: Steam cauliflower separately and blend it into the sauce at the end for extra creaminess.

5. Fresh Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Cilantro)

   – Why: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro can brighten up the sauce and add freshness without triggering histamine issues.

   – How to add: Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs right before serving for a burst of flavor.

6. White Sweet Potato

   – Why: White sweet potatoes are a less sweet alternative to purple sweet potatoes, but they’re still AIP-friendly and add a rich texture to the sauce.

   – How to add: Substitute for purple sweet potatoes or add both for variety and extra creaminess.

7. Coconut Aminos

   – Why: This soy-free, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce adds a subtle umami flavor to your sauce while remaining AIP-compliant and low histamine.

   – How to add: Add 1–2 teaspoons during the simmering stage for a deeper, slightly sweet-savory taste.

8. Butternut Squash Puree

   – Why: If you want a smoother sauce, add butternut squash puree for a creamier consistency and an added touch of sweetness.

   – How to add: Replace cubed butternut squash with puree, or blend more of it into the sauce after simmering.

9. Turnips

   – Why: Turnips have a mild, slightly peppery flavor and are great for adding bulk and body to the sauce while keeping it low histamine and AIP-friendly.

   – How to add: Dice turnips and cook with the other vegetables, then blend them in at the end for a smooth, hearty sauce.

These variations keep the Nomato sauce flavorful while adhering to AIP and low-histamine guidelines, giving you options for extra flavor and texture!

How to eat Classic Nomato sauce recipe 

Here are some delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly ways to enjoy the Classic Nomato sauce recipe:

1. Over Pasta (Gluten-Free or Regular)

   – The Nomato sauce works perfectly as a pasta sauce substitute. Pair it with gluten-free pasta or regular wheat pasta for a hearty, tomato-free marinara dish.

   – How: Simply toss cooked pasta with warmed Nomato sauce, and top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

2. Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)

   – For a lighter, low-carb option, zoodles make a great alternative to pasta, while keeping the dish entirely plant-based.

   – How: Spiralize fresh zucchini and lightly sauté before tossing in Nomato sauce for a fresh and healthy meal.

3. Vegan Lasagna

   – Use Nomato sauce to layer between sheets of vegan lasagna noodles, dairy-free ricotta, and your favorite vegetables (spinach, zucchini, mushrooms).

   – How: Make a traditional lasagna, but swap out tomato sauce for Nomato, and layer with vegan cheese and veggie fillings.

4. Eggplant Parmesan

   – Nomato sauce can replace tomato sauce in a vegan version of eggplant parmesan.

   – How: Bread and bake slices of eggplant, layer with Nomato sauce and vegan cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly.

5. Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

   – Stuffed bell peppers with grains like quinoa, brown rice, or couscous and veggies become extra flavorful with Nomato sauce.

   – How: Fill halved bell peppers with cooked grains, vegetables, and plant-based protein like lentils or tofu, then pour Nomato sauce over and bake.

6. Vegan Pizza

   – Nomato sauce works as a base for a vegan pizza. The sauce is light and flavorful, making it perfect for pizza lovers who avoid tomatoes.

   – How: Spread Nomato sauce over a pizza crust, add vegan cheese, veggies like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, and bake until crispy.

7. Polenta with Nomato Sauce

   – Creamy polenta topped with a rich Nomato sauce creates a satisfying comfort meal.

   – How: Cook polenta until creamy, then top with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or kale and spoon the Nomato sauce over the top.

8. Vegan Meatballs with Nomato Sauce

   – Pairing plant-based meatballs with Nomato sauce creates a savory, comforting meal without tomatoes.

   – How: Serve vegan meatballs made from lentils, chickpeas, or store-bought options with a generous serving of Nomato sauce on top.

9. Vegan Gnocchi

   – Gnocchi’s pillowy texture pairs beautifully with the tangy and rich flavor of Nomato sauce.

   – How: Boil vegan gnocchi and toss in Nomato sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

10. Vegan Ratatouille

   – Use Nomato sauce in this traditional French vegetable dish for a tomato-free version.

   – How: Layer thinly sliced zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers in a baking dish, pour Nomato sauce over, and bake until tender.

11. Stuffed Zucchini Boats

   – Zucchini boats filled with grains and plant-based protein make a fun, healthy dinner.

   – How: Hollow out zucchinis, stuff them with quinoa, lentils, and vegetables, and cover with Nomato sauce before baking.

12. Tofu or Tempeh Marinara

   – Tofu or tempeh makes for a great plant-based protein that can soak up all the delicious flavors of the Nomato sauce.

   – How: Cook cubed tofu or tempeh until crispy, then simmer in Nomato sauce for a satisfying protein-packed meal.

These ideas keep your meals vibrant and flavorful, making the Classic Nomato sauce a versatile addition to any vegan or vegetarian dish!

Nomato sauce recipe storage and reheating 

Storing Nomato Sauce:

– Refrigerator: Once your Nomato sauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or glass jar. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5-7 days.

– Freezer: For longer storage, place the sauce in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Be sure to leave some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes. Nomato sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Nomato Sauce:

– Stovetop: Pour the desired amount of sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to adjust the consistency.

– Microwave: Transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

For both methods, be sure to check the sauce frequently to prevent scorching, and stir to evenly distribute the heat.

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About the Author

Recipe created by Simone, a vegetarian Chef and Blogger with 13+ years of vegan cooking experience.