Nut-Free Vegan Pesto
This Nut-Free Vegan Pesto is easy, delicious, and made in only 5 minutes with 6 plant-based ingredients! Perfect for elevating the flavors of nearly any dish. Vegan, Nut-Free, & Gluten-Free.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Cook Time: 0 Minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Makes ~1 cup
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/3 cup (48 g) pumpkin seeds or pepitas
- 3 cloves of garlic
- Juice of 1 lemon*
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 ounces (55 g) fresh basil, de-stemmed (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Blend: add the pumpkin seeds, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, basil, chili flakes if using, and salt to a food processor. Close the lid and begin to process, then use the opening in the device to slowly pour in the olive oil. Process for at least 60-90 seconds, or until the pumpkin seeds are finely chopped and have softened slightly.
- Store & Serve: season with additional salt or red pepper flakes, if desired. Use immediately, or transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Pumpkin Seeds: there is no other nut-free substitute that I would recommend for this recipe, but pumpkin seeds can be replaced with pine nuts or walnuts.
- Lemon Juice: lemon juice adds some brightness and acidity to the dish. Because it’s being used raw. it’s best to use fresh, as the carton/canned substitutes are often less flavorful.
- Oil-Free: try these Pea Pesto or Avocado Pesto recipe instead!
Keywords: vegan pesto, dairy free pesto, pumpkin seed pesto, vegan pumpkin seed pesto
Find it online: https://frommybowl.com/nut-free-vegan-pesto/
