Dairy-Free Classic Basil Pesto
Bright, vibrant, and completely dairy-free, this classic basil pesto is a plant-based twist on the beloved Italian condiment. Made with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, zesty lemon juice, and the cheesy umami of nutritional yeast, this recipe delivers all the flavor of traditional pesto without the Parmesan. The velvety blend of extra virgin olive oil and fragrant garlic makes it irresistibly creamy and rich, while staying entirely vegan and gluten-free. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables, this quick 10-minute recipe promises to elevate your dishes with a burst of herbaceous and nutty goodness. Whether you're accommodating dietary restrictions or simply exploring dairy-free dining, this easy homemade pesto is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Pine nuts
- 2 medium Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Begin by gently washing and drying the fresh basil leaves to remove any dirt or debris.
In a dry skillet, lightly toast the pine nuts over medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them for easier blending.
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, chopped garlic, nutritional yeast, and fresh lemon juice. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
With the food processor running, gradually stream in the extra virgin olive oil and blend until the pesto reaches your desired consistency, either smooth or a bit chunky.
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste, giving it a final pulse to combine everything evenly.
Transfer the dairy-free basil pesto to a clean jar or container. For storage, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.
Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze in an ice cube tray for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1642 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 162.7 g | 209% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.3 g | 102% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 991 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.0 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 29.9 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 227 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1273 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
