Vegan Classic Green Pesto
Elevate your plant-based dishes with this vibrant and flavorful Vegan Classic Green Pesto! Packed with aromatic fresh basil, creamy pine nuts, and a cheesy twist from nutritional yeast, this dairy-free pesto is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional recipes. A splash of zesty lemon juice and fragrant garlic blend beautifully with high-quality olive oil, creating a silky smooth sauce perfect for tossing with pasta, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or spreading on sandwiches. Ready in just 10 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, and it's versatile enough to complement any dish. Plus, it’s completely vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for those looking to add a pop of bold, herbal flavor to their meals!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Pine nuts
- 0.25 cup Nutritional yeast
- 3 large Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
Begin by gathering your fresh basil leaves. Wash and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Measure 0.5 cup of pine nuts. Optionally, you can lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes, just until fragrant, while stirring frequently. This step adds extra depth to the flavor.
Peel 3 large garlic cloves and set them aside.
In a food processor, combine the 2 cups of basil leaves, 0.5 cup of pine nuts, 0.25 cup of nutritional yeast, and the 3 garlic cloves.
Pulse the ingredients together for about 30 seconds or until they are finely chopped.
Add 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of water, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper to the processor.
Gradually add 0.5 cup of olive oil in a steady stream while the processor is running to emulsify the mixture to a smooth consistency.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Transfer the vegan pesto to a clean, airtight jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Before serving, give it a good stir and enjoy it with your favorite foods like pasta, sandwiches, or as a delicious dip.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1526 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 158.5 g | 203% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.7 g | 103% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 33.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1192 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.2 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 14.3 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 99 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 722 mg | 15% | |
*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.
