Paleo Pesto Vinaigrette
Transform your salads and dishes with the vibrant, herbaceous flavors of this Paleo Pesto Vinaigrette—a wholesome twist on classic pesto that’s completely dairy-free and perfect for paleo enthusiasts. Made with fresh basil, nutrient-packed nutritional yeast, garlic, and a hint of lemon juice, this creamy, homemade dressing balances tangy and savory notes beautifully. Pine nuts lend a nutty richness, while extra virgin olive oil ensures a smooth, luxurious texture. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile vinaigrette can be drizzled over salads, roasted vegetables, or used as a marinade for protein-packed meals. Whether you’re embracing clean eating or simply love bold, garden-fresh flavors, this Paleo Pesto Vinaigrette is your next go-to dressing recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
Start by washing and thoroughly drying the fresh basil leaves. You can use a salad spinner or gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
Peel the garlic cloves and chop them roughly to make them easier to blend.
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, chopped garlic, pine nuts, and nutritional yeast. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
With the processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil through the top opening. Blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Add the fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and water to the mixture. Blend again until the ingredients are well-incorporated, and the vinaigrette has a smooth consistency.
Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference, if necessary. You can add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Once satisfied with the taste and texture, transfer the Paleo Pesto Vinaigrette to a jar or airtight container.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Shake well before use.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1266 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 135.4 g | 174% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.7 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1194 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.1 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.2 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.0 g | ||
| Protein | 12.9 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 83 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 616 mg | 13% | |
*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.
