Paleo Classic Basil Pesto Sauce
Elevate your favorite meals with this Paleo Classic Basil Pesto Sauce, a dairy-free twist on the traditional Italian favorite. Bursting with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and garlicky goodness, this vibrant pesto is perfectly balanced with zesty lemon juice and creamy nutritional yeast for a rich, cheesy flavor—without the cheese! Made in just 10 minutes, this effortless, paleo-friendly recipe uses extra virgin olive oil to bring everything together for a smooth, velvety finish. Whether drizzled over vegetables, paired with grilled meats, or mixed into your favorite zoodles, this clean and wholesome sauce is as versatile as it is delicious. Store it in the fridge or freezer to keep the basil-y magic alive any time you need it. Paleo basil pesto sauce is the ultimate healthy upgrade for any dish!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Pine nuts
- 2 medium Garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Begin by preparing and measuring all the ingredients. Make sure the fresh basil leaves are washed and thoroughly dried.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow them to cool.
Peel the garlic cloves and set them aside.
In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, and nutritional yeast.
Pulse the mixture a few times until it starts to combine but is still somewhat coarse.
While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
Add the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, and pulse a few more times to fully incorporate the ingredients.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Transfer the Paleo basil pesto sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy as a topping for vegetables, meats, or as a dressing.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1505 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 158.5 g | 203% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.3 g | 97% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1198 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.5 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.3 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 20.2 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 80 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 890 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.
