Dairy-Free Classic Pesto Dressing
Transform your salads and dishes with the vibrant flavors of this Dairy-Free Classic Pesto Dressing, a creamy yet light alternative to traditional pesto. This recipe swaps out cheese for nutrient-packed nutritional yeast, delivering the same irresistible umami punch while accommodating a dairy-free lifestyle. With fresh basil as the star ingredient, toasted pine nuts, zesty lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil, every spoonful bursts with aromatic goodness. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile dressing is perfect for drizzling over crispy greens, roasted vegetables, or grilled proteins. Its smooth texture is easily adjustable, allowing you to create the perfect consistency to suit your culinary needs. Store it in the fridge for up to a week and enjoy its bold, herby flavor on repeat. Keywords: dairy-free pesto, basil dressing, nutritional yeast pesto, quick pesto recipe, classic pesto alternative.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Pine nuts
- 3 large Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
Start by washing and drying the fresh basil leaves to remove any dirt or impurities.
In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, gently toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them; stir constantly and remove them from the skillet as soon as they start to change color.
In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts and garlic cloves. Pulse until they are finely chopped.
Add the fresh basil leaves and nutritional yeast to the food processor. Pulse again until the mixture is well blended and the basil is finely chopped.
Scrape down the sides of the food processor with a spatula to ensure even mixing, and then add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend again until everything is incorporated.
With the food processor running on low speed, slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube. This will help emulsify the dressing and give it a smooth, creamy texture.
Add the water one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. You can add a little more or less depending on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner dressing.
Taste the pesto dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your taste preference.
Transfer the Dairy-Free Classic Pesto Dressing to a clean jar or bottle for storage. It can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Before using, give the dressing a gentle shake to ensure it's well mixed, and enjoy it over your favorite salads, veggies, or dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1478 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 158.5 g | 203% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.3 g | 97% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1190 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.2 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 14.3 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 98 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 721 mg | 15% | |
*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.
