It was my 16th birthday and we were dining at the finest Italian restaurant in Tampa Bay to celebrate. Linguini Al Pesto caught my eye. Although I had no idea what it was (alas like the majority of the menu) the short title felt safe. I must admit I was a bit surprised when green pasta was placed before me. I skipped the prior meal in anticipation of gorging myself during my birthday dinner so I dived in despite my trepidation. The vibrant flavors and rich taste hit me like a punch to the face. It was good- addictingly good.
Several years would pass before I would have it again but that memory never faded. Once I moved out into my first apartment I began making it on repeat. It has been a staple in my home for many years now and happens to be my husband’s favorite sauce for pasta.
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Pesto has a vibrant and distinctive flavor characterized by its fresh, herbaceous notes and a rich combination of ingredients.
Basil: The primary taste comes from fresh basil, offering a bright, slightly peppery, and subtly sweet profile.
Garlic: Adds a robust and savory undertone.
Pine nuts: contributing a buttery, nutty richness.
Nutritional Yeast: The inclusion of nutritional yeast provides a cheesy, umami flavor, enhancing the overall complexity of vegan pesto.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Brings a smooth and fruity quality, creating a luscious texture and binds all the ingredients together. A high-quality extra virgin olive oil will make the sauce shine.
Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing acidity that brightens the flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Balance and accentuate the various taste elements.
Combined, these components create a well-balanced and versatile sauce that can be described as herb-infused, savory, and slightly creamy. Our vegan pesto’s flavor profile complements a variety of dishes, from pasta and salads to sandwiches and grilled vegetables, making it a beloved and versatile sauce.
How to make
This vegan pesto whips up in a breeze. All you have to do is add the ingredients to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend- that’s it!
Simply, boil some high-protein pasta and steam some broccoli, and you can have dinner on the table in under 20 minutes! How about that for a weeknight win?!
Alternative Ingredients
Some days you may just want to make vegan pesto with what you have on hand or some ingredients may be out of season. If so try any of the alternatives below!
Go Green
Choose basil as the traditional herb for pesto, especially for first-time makers. However, you can use or partially substitute other vibrant greens for a delicious variation.
Arugula Pesto: Adds a peppery and slightly spicy flavor.
Cilantro Pesto: Provides a fresh and citrusy twist.
Spinach Pesto: Offers a mild and versatile option.
Kale Pesto: Adds a hearty and earthy flavor.
Parsley Pesto: Has a bright and herbaceous taste.
Mint Pesto: Imparts a cool and refreshing flavor.
Dandelion Greens Pesto: Brings a slightly bitter and nutty taste.
Feel free to experiment with these greens or create your own combination to customize the flavor of your vegan pesto to suit your preferences and budget.
Get Nutty
Traditionally, pesto uses pine nuts, lending the sauce a distinctive taste. However, you can enhance the richness and creaminess by incorporating various nuts and seeds.
Pine Nuts: Traditional choice, offering a buttery, nutty, and slightly sweet taste.
Walnuts: Provide a robust and earthy flavor. This is my second favorite to pine nuts.
Almonds: Add a subtle sweetness and a crunchy texture.
Cashews: Impart a creamy consistency and mild flavor.
Pecans: Bring a sweet and slightly caramelized taste.
Hazelnuts: Offer a rich and toasty flavor.
Macadamia Nuts: Contribute a creamy texture and a mild, buttery taste.
Hemp Seeds: Offer a nutty and slightly earthy flavor.
Sunflower seeds: For a mild, nutty flavor in your vegan pesto.
Experimenting with different nuts and seeds can give your vegan pesto a unique twist, allowing you to tailor the flavor of your pesto to your liking and likely save some money.
In Conclusion
Vegan pesto, a versatile culinary delight, combines vibrant green hues and robust flavors. Anchored by fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and extra virgin olive oil, it offers a symphony of tastes. Whether paired with pasta, salads, soups, or sandwiches, our vegan pesto creates an unforgettable dining experience. The ease of preparation and flexibility to experiment with alternative ingredients contribute to its allure, solidifying pesto as a staple in kitchens worldwide.
Vegan Pesto
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4-8
servings5
minutes10
minutes
Vegan pesto, a versatile culinary delight, combines vibrant green hues and robust flavors.
Ingredients
1 packed cup of basil (50 grams)
2 tbsp + 1 tsp, nutritional yeast
1 large garlic clove, peeled
1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts
1/4 tsp of salt (plus more to taste)
1/4 tsp of black pepper
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (substitute half for water for a lighter pesto)
1 tbsp of lemon juice
Directions
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine all ingredients.
- Blend until smooth then adjust to taste. Store in the fridge for up to one week. Bon Appetite!
Notes
- Makes 1/2 cup of pesto
- Basil is the traditional herb used to make pesto and if it’s your first time making pesto I highly recommend it. However, other vibrant greens can be used or partially substituted to make a delicious variation such as arugula, cilantro, spinach, kale, parsley, mint, and dandelion greens.
- Pine nuts are traditionally used in pesto and give this sauce a distinctive taste. Although, various nuts and seeds can be used in pesto to add a rich, nutty flavor and a creamy texture such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, hemp and sunflower seeds.
- Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil will do wonders for this sauce.
