Discovering the Perfect Vegan Pesto
My Favorite is Quick Vegan Basil Pesto and I remember the first time I tried to make vegan pesto. I was craving something fresh and flavorful, but I wanted to keep it simple and dairy-free. Traditional pesto is packed with Parmesan cheese, but I was determined to find an alternative that didn’t compromise on taste. After experimenting with a few ingredients, I stumbled upon the magic combination of fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. It was a total game-changer! In just five minutes, I had a creamy, zesty sauce that was perfect for my pasta. I couldn’t believe how easy it was!
The Freshness of Basil
What makes this pesto so special is the fresh basil. I always make sure to use the brightest, most fragrant basil leaves I can find. The moment I blend it with garlic and lemon, the aroma fills my kitchen, and I feel like I’m in an Italian garden. The basil is the star of this recipe, and its peppery sweetness really comes through. Sometimes, I’ll even use walnuts or sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts, depending on what I have on hand, and it always turns out delicious. Plus, it’s entirely vegan, so I can enjoy it guilt-free.
A Versatile and Easy Sauce
One of my favorite things about this vegan basil pesto is how versatile it is. I use it on everything! Whether it’s a quick pasta dish, a spread on my sandwiches, or even as a dip for veggies, it always adds a burst of freshness. The best part is that it stores really well, so I often make a big batch and freeze it in ice cube trays. That way, I can just pop out a cube whenever I need to elevate my meals without any hassle. It’s become my secret weapon in the kitchen for making any dish more exciting.
A Healthier, Delicious Option
Not only is this pesto delicious, but it’s also a healthier option compared to traditional pesto. By using nutritional yeast instead of cheese, I’m able to keep it dairy-free while still getting that cheesy flavor. If I’m feeling extra healthy, I’ll replace the olive oil with vegetable broth to make it oil-free. No matter how I make it, it always turns out flavorful, and it’s so easy to customize to my taste. It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy to my meals!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Quick Vegan Basil Pesto
- Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly before blending to avoid any added moisture from water, which can dilute the flavor.
- Lightly toast the pine nuts or walnuts in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before blending. This brings out their natural oils and enhances the nuttiness of the pesto.
- Start blending the solid ingredients first (basil, garlic, nuts) to create a rough paste before slowly incorporating the liquid (olive oil and water). This helps achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add the water gradually to control the thickness of the pesto. For pasta, a thicker pesto is preferred, while a thinner version works great as a salad dressing.
- To prevent the pesto from browning, add a thin layer of olive oil on top before storing it in the fridge or freezing it in ice cube trays for single servings.
Quick Vegan Basil Pesto
This Quick Vegan Basil Pesto is a game-changer! Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s creamy, zesty, and packed with flavor despite being dairy-free. Perfect for pasta, pizza, salads, and more. This easy-to-make pesto will become your go-to for adding a burst of freshness to any dish. Try it today and elevate your meals effortlessly!
4
servings5
minutes0
minutes39
kcal5
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 cups fresh basil leaves packed, large stems removed
3 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts sunflower seeds for nut-free option
3 large garlic cloves peeled
2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
3-4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/4 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or vegetable broth for oil-free
3-6 tablespoons water adjust as needed for consistency
Directions
- Blending Ingredients – In a food processor or small blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, nuts or seeds, garlic cloves, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and sea salt. Blend on high until a loose paste forms.
- Adjusting Flavor – Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor, extra salt for overall taste, additional nuts for nuttiness, more garlic for a stronger bite, or extra lemon juice for acidity.
- Freezing Tips – For longer storage, pour the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to one month.
Equipment
- food processor
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 39kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1.2g
- Protein: 0.8g
- Fat: 3.8g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 32mg
- Potassium: 62mg
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Vitamin A: 317IU
- Vitamin C: 1.95mg
- Calcium: 13.24mg
- Iron: 0.33mg
FAQ-Quick Vegan Basil Pesto
Can I make this pesto without nuts?
Yes! You can substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option, and the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil is essential for this recipe to get the vibrant flavor and color. Dried basil won’t provide the same taste or texture.
Can I make this pesto oil-free?
Absolutely! You can use vegetable broth or water instead of olive oil. Just add it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
How long does this vegan pesto last in the fridge?
The pesto will stay fresh for up to one week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to one month.
Can I use this pesto on more than just pasta?
Yes! This pesto is incredibly versatile. Use it as a pizza topping, a spread for sandwiches, a dressing for salads, or mix it into hummus for an extra kick of flavor.
