High Protein Vegan Pesto
Boost your plant-based meals with this High Protein Vegan Pesto, a vibrant and nutrient-packed twist on the classic Italian sauce. Loaded with fresh basil, spinach, and creamy silken tofu for an extra protein punch, this recipe is perfect for vegan diets or anyone looking to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into their cooking. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, umami flavor, while toasted pumpkin seeds bring a nutty crunch without the use of traditional pine nuts. With just 10 minutes of prep, this versatile, dairy-free pesto is a delicious addition to pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a dip for your favorite veggies. It's easy to make, freezer-friendly, and brimming with flavor that will elevate any meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Fresh spinach
- 0.5 cup Silken tofu
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 0.25 cup Raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 pieces Fresh garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Wash and dry the basil leaves and spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
In a dry skillet over low heat, toast the raw pumpkin seeds for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Add the fresh basil, spinach, silken tofu, nutritional yeast, pumpkin seeds, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, water, salt, and black pepper to a high-speed blender or food processor.
Blend or process the ingredients until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of water at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast to suit your preference.
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze in portions for future use.
Use the vegan pesto as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for veggies and crackers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
704 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.6 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.6 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1239 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.9 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.0 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.4 g | ||
| Protein | 25.8 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 546 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 901 mg | 19% | |
*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.
