Inspired by: @iszy
Are you craving that fresh, vibrant taste of homemade pesto but need a plant-based or dairy-free option? Look no further! This easy vegan pine nut pesto recipe delivers all the classic flavor without the dairy, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight meals, impressive pasta salads, or simply topping your favorite soups and dishes. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy the rich, nutty goodness of pesto while adhering to a vegan lifestyle or managing dietary sensitivities.
Our community member, iszy, perfectly captured the excitement of making pesto for the first time, especially finding quality pine nuts at their local Trader Joe's. They mentioned how surprised and pleased they were to find all the necessary ingredients in one place, avoiding an extra grocery stop – a true win for convenience! The result? "Beautiful!" according to one enthusiastic comment. This recipe solves the common dilemma of finding delicious and accessible vegan ingredients, proving that homemade doesn't have to be complicated.
Why Make Your Own Vegan Pesto?
Making your own pesto allows you to control the freshness of ingredients and avoid unwanted additives. It's often more budget-friendly than store-bought versions, especially when you discover great finds like iszy did. Plus, the flavor of freshly made pesto is simply unmatched. Once you try it, you'll want to keep those versatile pine nuts on hand, just like pumpkin seeds, for elevating everyday meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Spatula
- Airtight container for storage
Instructions
- Toast Pine Nuts (Optional but Recommended): In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, gently toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Let cool.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to a food processor or blender.
- Blend: Pulse the mixture a few times to roughly chop the ingredients.
- Slowly Add Oil: With the food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth but still have some texture.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the pesto and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve or Store: Use immediately with your favorite pasta or transfer to an airtight container.
A beautiful batch of freshly made vegan pesto, ready to be enjoyed!
Tips & Hacks for Perfect Pesto
- Prevent Browning: To keep your pesto vibrant green, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container. A thin layer of extra virgin olive oil on top also helps.
- Blanch Basil: For an extra bright green color, briefly blanch your basil leaves in boiling water for 10 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath before blending.
- Storage: Store homemade pesto in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, freeze it in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Trader Joe's Pine Nuts: As iszy discovered, pine nuts can be a bit pricey. Keep an eye out for sales or check international grocery stores for potentially better deals.
Variations & Adaptations
This vegan pine nut pesto is incredibly versatile!
- Nut-Free Pesto: If you have a nut allergy, swap pine nuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Herb & Green Variations: Experiment with different greens! Add a handful of spinach, kale, or arugula for a nutrient boost or a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice warmth.
- Creamier Pesto: For a richer, creamier texture, blend in a tablespoon of vegan cream cheese or a small amount of silken tofu.
- Beyond Pasta: This pesto isn't just for pasta! Use it as a spread for sandwiches, a topping for pizza, a dressing for salads, or swirl it into soups for a burst of flavor, just like iszy enjoys with their pine nuts!
Related Articles
Looking for more easy and delicious plant-based recipes? Explore these other fantastic articles from abillion:
- Discover another take on pesto with our Easy Vegan Mint Arugula Pesto.
- Dive into more Italian-inspired meals with Fresh Pea Pasta with Herbs.
- For a traditional twist, try Authentic Vegan Trofie with Pesto, Potatoes, and Green Beans.
- Perfect for summer, check out our Summer Pasta Salad.
- Warm up with a bowl of Hearty & Spicy Vegan Indian Vegetable Soup.
- For another creamy pasta option, explore Easy Creamy Vegan Roasted Vegetable Farfalle Pasta (Dairy-Free Weeknight Meal).
- Try a new take on a classic with Vegan No-Tuna Pasta Salad: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe.
Ready to elevate your home cooking? Give this Easy Homemade Vegan Pine Nut Pesto a try tonight! Share your delicious creations and favorite uses for pesto with the abillion community.
