Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a burst of fresh flavors? This Vegan and Dairy-Free Pesto is not just a simple sauce—it's a vibrant green delight that will transform your pasta, sandwiches, and even salads into a gourmet experience! With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this deliciously creamy and nutty pesto that’s packed with nutrients and free from dairy. Say goodbye to store-bought versions filled with preservatives and hello to a homemade masterpiece that’s as easy as it is tasty. Trust us, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of pine nuts, 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 cup of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step enhances their flavor. Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Peel the garlic cloves and chop them roughly to make it easier for the food processor to blend.
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, chopped garlic, and nutritional yeast. Pulse the mixture a few times to break down the ingredients.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture reaches your desired consistency—smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference.
- Once blended, stop the processor and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure everything is well mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste, and pulse a few more times to incorporate.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast to enhance the flavor.
- Transfer the vegan and dairy-free pesto to an airtight container. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to a flavorful pesto lies in using fresh basil leaves. Opt for vibrant green leaves for the best taste and color.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Don’t skip the toasting step! Lightly toasting the pine nuts enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful depth to your pesto.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a creamier pesto, add more olive oil while blending. For a chunkier texture, pulse less and stop blending before it becomes too smooth.
- Flavor Balance: Taste your pesto before serving. Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast to suit your palate. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors!
- Storage Tips: Store your pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning. This way, you can enjoy fresh pesto anytime!
- Serving Suggestions: Use this pesto as a pasta sauce, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for a delightful twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
