DELIGHTFUL VEGAN PESTO 

Cheese-Free Bliss!

(Whole30, Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Keto Friendly + Low Carb)

January 30th, 2024 

Introduction:

Vegan Pesto (Dairy-Free) is a delightful twist on your classic pesto, sans any dairy! Quick to whip up, it adds a burst of flavour to pasta, lasagne, or ravioli. A perfect way to utilise surplus fresh basil, especially as summer bids farewell – prepare a generous batch and freeze for winter indulgence!

Vegan Pesto (Dairy-Free): An expedited, dairy-free pesto, ideal for embracing fresh basil's aromatic wonders.

Why This Recipe Stands Out:

  • Flavourful Punch: Despite omitting parmesan, a pesto staple, this recipe boasts a robust flavour profile that captivates the taste buds.
  • Freezer-Friendly Feast: Craft a substantial quantity and freeze effortlessly. Begin with ice cube trays for pre-portioned cubes, transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for future, hassle-free use.
  • End-of-Summer Saviour: Bid adieu to surplus basil at the summer's end. This recipe ingeniously prevents wastage while delivering a culinary treat.

Storing:

  • Enjoy this Vegan Pesto's freshness for 5-7 days in the fridge or extend its life to 3-4 months in the freezer.
  • If you have an abundance of basil, consider making a large batch and freezing it for up to 3 months. Freeze pesto conveniently in silicone ice cube trays, transferring the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe container for easy use.

Basil Varieties: 

Various basil types exist, but Sweet Basil is the store-preferred kind for pesto. Embrace Sweet Basil or venture into varieties like Sweet Thai Basil.

Substitutions:

  • Basil: While basil is the quintessential ingredient for pesto, you can use baby spinach as an alternative if fresh basil isn't available.
  • Pine Nuts: The original recipe benefits from the nutty essence of pine nuts. However, you can experiment with walnuts, pistachios, or almonds to impart a different nutty flavour to this healthy pesto.
  • Avocado Oil: If you don't have avocado oil on hand, you can substitute it with extra virgin olive oil or safflower oil.
  • Nutritional Yeast: For a touch of cheesy flavour, consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the pesto.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Does pesto have dairy?

    Traditional pesto recipes typically include cheese. However, this dairy-free pesto recipe retains the traditional pesto flavour without any dairy content.

  • Can you buy dairy-free pesto?

    While some grocery stores offer dairy-free pesto options, crafting your homemade dairy-free pesto is remarkably simple. Once you savour the freshness of homemade pesto, store-bought alternatives might pale in comparison.

What to Serve With:

Here are some delightful ways to utilise your pesto:

 

  • Salad Dressing: Adjust the oil for a thinner consistency perfect for salads.
  • Steak Topping: Elevate the flavour of your steak with a dollop of pesto.
  • Roasted Potatoes: Toss pesto with roasted potatoes for a savoury twist.
  •  Dip: Enjoy pesto as a flavourful dip.
  • Egg Topping: Add a burst of flavour to your eggs.
  • Pizza Enhancement: Elevate your pizza experience with a generous spread of pesto.

RECIPE:

DELIGHTFUL VEGAN PESTO - Cheese-Free Bliss!

(Whole30, Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Keto Friendly + Low Carb)

 

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Serves: Approx. 1 cup

Category: Sauce

Method: Food Processor

Cuisine: Italian

 

Crafting this effortless Vegan and Dairy-Free Pesto is a breeze, offering a swift preparation that rivals its traditional counterpart in taste and richness. The essence of this pesto lies in its nutty undertones, providing a bold and vibrant flavour explosion that captivates the palate. Immerse yourself in the indulgence of a pesto that harmoniously combines simplicity with an explosion of tastes, proving that plant-based alternatives can be just as delightful as the classics. Get ready to savour the richness and boldness of this nutty delight that transcends expectations.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 – 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

 Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Toss basil, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt into a petite food processor.
  2. Blitz with Precision: Activate the food processor, introducing olive oil gradually.
  3. Perfect Fusion: Once the olive oil harmoniously melds, cease processing, and savour the pesto.
  4. Adjust to Taste: Fine-tune your pesto by incorporating additional salt, olive oil, or pine nuts based on your preference.

Notes:

  • Garlic: Tailor garlic intensity by starting with one clove and tasting before adding the second.
  • Nutritional Yeast: Elevate the taste with nutritional yeast, providing a subtle "cheesy" touch.
  • Taste and Adjust: Customise texture and flavour – more oil for a thinner consistency, a pinch of salt for depth, or an extra lemon squeeze for acidity.
  • Storage: Freeze for 3-4 months or refrigerate in an airtight container for 5-7 days.


 Nutrition Facts (Approximate):

  • Serves 8
  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories Per Serving: 76

Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate):

  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 1g
  • Protein: 0.4g

 

Note: Nutrition information is approximate.

 

This effortless dairy-free pesto recipe combines the vibrant flavours of fresh basil, pine nuts, and zesty lemon juice to create a sensational vegan pesto sauce.