Dairy-Free Classic Basil Pesto Sauce
Bright, vibrant, and completely dairy-free, this Classic Basil Pesto Sauce is a game-changer for plant-based cooking! Made with fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and garlic, this recipe delivers the bold, nutty, and herbaceous flavors you crave—all while replacing traditional cheese with nutritional yeast for a creamy, umami punch. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a zesty freshness, while extra virgin olive oil brings everything together into a luscious, smooth sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this vegan pesto is perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or using as a dip for your favorite veggies. Whether you're vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply looking for a healthy pesto alternative, this dairy-free twist on a classic will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Pine nuts
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cups Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
Begin by gently rinsing the fresh basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown, approximately 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside to use in the next step.
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and nutritional yeast. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
Add the lemon juice to the mixture and continue pulsing while slowly drizzling the olive oil into the processor or blender. This helps emulsify the pesto into a smooth and creamy consistency.
Season with salt and black pepper, then blend once more to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Transfer the pesto into a clean jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Serve your Dairy-Free Classic Basil Pesto Sauce as a condiment for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip with veggies.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1583 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 161.7 g | 207% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.3 g | 102% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 986 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.3 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.0 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 22.0 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 214 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 9.4 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 1077 mg | 23% | |
*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.
