Vegan Basil Pesto
When I want a sauce to mix into pasta and salad for a quick lunch or dinner, I always make this fragrant 5-minute Vegan Basil Pesto. It brings fresh flavor to any meal and is made with fresh basil, parmesan, and garlic.
Servings: 4
Calories: 80kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups packed basil
- ½ cup vegan Parmesan cheese , make my recipe or use store bought
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup veggie broth , low sodium if needed (see note)
- Drizzle of olive oil , optional (see note)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt , optional taste before you add because it depends on the cheese you use
- your favorite pasta to serve , gluten-free if needed
Instructions
- Place ingredients into a food processor and blend until pureed. Blend all the way for super smooth, or pulse for a more textured result.
- Serve however you desire!
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for making my Vegan Basil Pesto is to let it sit for a few minutes before serving. I know it is tempting to grab a spoon and start mixing it into pasta right away, but giving it a little time lets the basil, garlic, and parmesan mingle and taste even better. I usually make it first, then set it aside while I get the rest of dinner ready. By the time we sit down to eat, the pesto is richer and more flavorful, and it tastes like it has been made by someone who really took their time, even though it only took me five minutes. Ha!
- Scrape down the sides: I pause the food processor a couple of times and scrape the sides so everything blends evenly. It keeps the texture smooth from start to finish.
- Little by little: I pour in the broth a little at a time while blending so I can get the texture just right. Less broth makes it thicker for spreading, and more gives me a drizzle-friendly sauce.
- Add lemon juice: If the pesto tastes a bit sharp, I stir in a squeeze of lemon juice at the end. It makes the flavor fresh and bright.
Nutrition
Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1266IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 6mg