Dairy-Free Spinach Pesto
Bright, vibrant, and completely dairy-free, this Spinach Pesto recipe is a fresh twist on a classic favorite. Packed with nutrient-rich spinach, fragrant basil leaves, creamy raw cashews, and umami-rich nutritional yeast, this pesto delivers bold flavor without any cheese. A splash of lemon juice adds a zesty brightness, while olive oil and water ensure a perfectly silky texture. Made in just 10 minutes with a food processor, this versatile sauce is ideal for pasta, sandwiches, grain bowls, or as a dip. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade dairy-free spinach pesto while accommodating vegan diets or lactose-free lifestyles.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh spinach
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 2 whole Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Raw cashews
- 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
Instructions
Start by thoroughly washing the fresh spinach and basil leaves under cold water. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or a salad spinner.
Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.
If desired, soak the raw cashews in warm water for 15-20 minutes to soften them. This will create a creamier texture. Drain before using.
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the spinach, basil, garlic, cashews, and nutritional yeast.
Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and water to the processor. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper.
Blend the ingredients until smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl or blender as needed. Adjust the consistency by adding small amounts of additional water if the pesto is too thick.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Transfer the dairy-free spinach pesto to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use immediately or as needed for pasta, sandwiches, or other dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
872 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.8 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.1 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1239 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.2 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g | ||
| Protein | 15.4 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 119 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 581 mg | 12% | |
*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.
