1. Prep the ingredients.
To make vegan pesto, you will need fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and salt. Nutritional yeast is the vegan substitute for Parmesan cheese and adds a cheesy, nutty flavor to the pesto. You can find it at most health food stores.
2. Choose your nut or seed.
Although pine nuts are the traditional choice for pesto, you can use any nut or seed that you like. Walnuts, almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds are all great options. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
3. Blend the ingredients.
Once your nuts or seeds are toasted, add them to a food processor along with the basil, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and salt. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Then, with the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust the seasoning.
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast to your liking.
5. Enjoy!
Use the vegan pesto in pasta dishes, sandwiches, as a dip or spread, and anywhere else you might use traditional pesto. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month.
Here are some variations of vegan pesto recipes:
1. Spinach Pesto
For a twist on traditional basil pesto, use spinach as the base. Spinach pesto is milder in flavor but just as delicious. Simply substitute spinach for the basil in the recipe above.
2. Kale Pesto
Kale is a superfood that’s packed with nutrients, and it makes a great addition to pesto. To make kale pesto, substitute kale for the basil in the recipe and use almonds or cashews instead of pine nuts.
3. Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
Roasted red pepper pesto is a flavorful alternative to traditional pesto. To make it, add roasted red peppers to the food processor along with the other ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Avocado Pesto
Avocado adds a smooth and creamy texture to pesto, and it’s a great source of healthy fats. To make avocado pesto, simply add an avocado to the recipe above and blend until smooth.
5. Cilantro Lime Pesto
For a Mexican-inspired twist on pesto, use cilantro and lime as your base. Substitute cilantro for the basil in the recipe above and add lime zest and juice for a fresh and zesty flavor.
In conclusion, making vegan pesto recipes at home is easy and delicious. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy this classic Italian ingredient without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Whether you prefer traditional basil pesto or a unique variation, there’s a vegan pesto recipe for everyone to enjoy.