Sugar-Free Vegan Pesto
Packed with fresh basil and creamy cashews, this sugar-free vegan pesto is a deliciously wholesome twist on a classic sauce. Featuring nutrient-rich nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, zesty garlic and lemon juice, and a blend of extra-virgin olive oil and water for a smooth, velvety texture, this recipe is entirely plant-based and perfect for those avoiding sugar or diary. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a versatile and healthy option for pasta, sandwiches, or as a vibrant dip for veggies. Simple, quick, and bursting with flavor, this vegan pesto is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoons (or to taste) Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
Prepare your basil by rinsing and drying the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Place the raw cashews in a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse until they are finely ground but not turning into a paste.
Add the fresh basil leaves, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice to the blender or food processor with the ground cashews.
Pulse the mixture a few times to combine the ingredients and break down the larger pieces.
Drizzle in the olive oil and water while blending on low speed. Gradually increase the speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Pause to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed to ensure the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste. Blend briefly to mix the seasoning evenly through the pesto.
Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for up to one month.
Serve over pasta, use it as a spread for sandwiches, or enjoy it as a dip for vegetables!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
938 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.5 g | 108% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.6 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1207 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.1 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.7 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g | ||
| Protein | 21.6 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 99 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 888 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.
