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5-Minute, No-Fuss, Vegan Pesto

June 26, 2014 by Medha 51 Comments

Sometimes, you want pasta without tomato all over it.

cup

Am I the only one who feels like this? There are days when I want my big bowl of carbs, but I want tomatoes to stay the hell away from it


For most, the next best option after tomato-based sauces is macaroni and cheese. But for vegans, easy and quick dairy-free mac and cheese can be hard to whip up when the craving hits. (But there are options!)

This is where pesto comes in.

basil

Pesto is great for several reasons. For one, it’s comforting, light, and satisfying, while being surprisingly healthy and quick to make. Wait… was that more than just one reason? Still, the list goes on. Pesto is different than pomodoro, arrabiata, rosa, puttanesca, or other tomato sauces. It’s super customizable (although my favorite will always be the classic basil and pine nut combination). And it’s always delicious.

prep

Unfortunately for vegans, most store-packaged pesto is made with parmesan or other cheese. Luckily, it’s almost as easy to make at home as it is to buy.

Packing a punch with garlic and lemon, this simple dairy-free pesto doesn’t lack any flavor. Although I’ve gone for basil and pine nuts, you can try spinach in place of basil, and almonds, walnuts, or even cashews in place of pine nuts. Each modification lends a special twist to the classic sauce.

pesto

Pesto can go on anything- sandwiches, salads, dressings, soups, and of course pasta. Come back next week to see a fun way to add pesto to a summer picnic classic, just in time for the 4th of July!

spoon

Bright green and vibrantly flavored, this pesto makes it feel like summer.

Enjoy!

jar3

title1

5.0 from 2 reviews
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5-Minute, No-Fuss, Vegan Pesto
Author: Whisk & Shout
Recipe type: Side Dish, Sauce, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Prep time:  10 mins
Total time:  10 mins
Serves: ¾ to 1 cup
 
A comforting, light, and satisfying sauce that is both healthy and easy to make. Pesto goes well on sandwiches, salads, dressings, soups, and of course pasta!
Ingredients
  • 2 cups tightly packed basil, washed and trimmed
  • ⅓ cup pine nuts
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • juice of half a lemon
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Combine basil, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely ground
  2. Stream in olive oil and continue to pulse until smooth
  3. Add salt, pepper, and lemon and pulse until well combined. Taste, and re-season if necessary.
Notes
• You can use garlic salt, lemon pepper, or any other flavored spices that you wish
• If you don’t have pine nuts, you can sub walnuts or even almonds
• If your food processor doesn’t have a stream feature for liquids, add olive oil in two installments
3.2.1311

*Adaped from Food52

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Filed Under: 30 Minutes or Less, Gluten Free, Italian, Lunch, Minimal Ingredients, One Pot/Pan/Skillet/Bowl, Pesto, Vegan

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Comments

  1. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    June 26, 2014 at 10:16 am

    I almost always want pasta without tomato sauce! I’m a huge pesto fan (Alfredo and garlic oil sauces too) so whenever I go out for Italian, I usually skip the red sauces. Love how easy this pesto is. Definitely trying this out!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 26, 2014 at 10:24 am

      Same!! People think I’m strange for not wanting tomato all over my food, but especially in the summer, it can get very heavy. Thanks, Gayle!

      Reply
  2. Helen @ Scrummy Lane says

    June 26, 2014 at 10:24 am

    I can’t imagine who first thought of combining these ingredients together to make this sauce (some Italian, obviously … probably a mama!) but I’m sure glad they did. I love pestos of all kinds, but you can’t go too far wrong with the classic version. Love your photos!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 26, 2014 at 10:26 am

      I’ve had that thought too, Helen! Pesto is soooo delicious. Thanks for commenting 🙂

      Reply
  3. ela@GrayApron says

    June 26, 2014 at 10:36 am

    Must be delicious!

    ela h.

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 26, 2014 at 10:53 am

      Thanks, Ela!

      Reply
  4. Karen @ The Food Charlatan says

    June 26, 2014 at 12:55 pm

    Haha! I’m so with you, sometimes red pasta sauce just doesn’t do it for me. This sounds lovely.

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 26, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      Right?! Thank you, Karen!

      Reply
  5. Crystal | Apples & Sparkle says

    June 26, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    This looks so fresh and flavorful. I would love this spooned over some fresh veggies off the grill. : )

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 26, 2014 at 3:58 pm

      Sounds healthy and delicious, Crystal. Thanks!

      Reply
  6. Ami@NaiveCookCooks says

    June 26, 2014 at 5:33 pm

    I love pesto on almost everything – bread, rice, soup. Ahh I want some now! This looks beautiful!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 26, 2014 at 5:37 pm

      I’m the same way, Ami! Thanks so much 🙂

      Reply
  7. Ema-Ontheflavorroad says

    June 26, 2014 at 6:52 pm

    I love Pesto :)! And I love the vegan one too :)! Do you know that you can even put it in the freezer? I did it and, you won’t believe me, but this morning I put it into the fridge because since last night I started craving pesto! ahahah! I’m gonna make pasta al pesto tonight :)!!!
    Your pesto looks great! Just because I’m from Genova, where we are pretty good in making it 🙂 -we invented it!- I suggest you to try without lemon and pepper. Trust me: you’ll love it!!!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 26, 2014 at 9:12 pm

      I freeze my pesto too! I find that it helps sometimes to add a layer of olive oil over the pesto. Looks like our pesto cravings are the same 🙂 I so totally trust your judgement and I will try it without next time (I add lemon into EVERYTHING so of course for me pesto is no exception normally). Thanks for commenting, Ema!

      Reply
      • Ema-Ontheflavorroad says

        June 26, 2014 at 9:37 pm

        And you do it right :)! My mum has always add a layer of olive oil and few pinenuts on top :)! It helps to preserve the color brightness because otherwise if becomes blackish if it is in contact with air :)! And to make it brighter some chef put the blade into the freezer for few minutes before making pesto! Basil doesn’t like hot :)! Thank you for mosting sunch a nice recipe :*

        Reply
        • Ema-Ontheflavorroad says

          June 26, 2014 at 9:42 pm

          And I’ll try your version with lemon :)! I’m curious now :P!

          Reply
  8. Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says

    June 26, 2014 at 9:14 pm

    I always want pasta without tomato. Not a big marinara sauce gal. This pesto sounds awesome.

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 26, 2014 at 9:17 pm

      Thanks, Kathy! I’m the same 🙂

      Reply
  9. marcie says

    June 26, 2014 at 9:52 pm

    Pestos are my favorite! They’re so fresh and not as heavy as tomato sauces. Your pesto looks just perfect. 🙂

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 26, 2014 at 9:54 pm

      Thanks, Marcie! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven says

    June 26, 2014 at 10:16 pm

    How perfect does this pesto look?! Just between you and me, I secretly like pesto-covered pasta even more than tomato-topped. Soooo delish! 🙂

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 26, 2014 at 10:20 pm

      Pesto > tomato 🙂 Thanks for commenting!

      Reply
  11. Tandy | Lavender and Lime says

    June 27, 2014 at 1:43 am

    it looks just as good as pesto with Parmesan and I am sure it is just as tasty 🙂

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 27, 2014 at 8:18 am

      Thanks, Tandy! Vegans can also add a tablespoon or two of nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavor!

      Reply
  12. Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says

    June 27, 2014 at 7:48 am

    This looks awesome!! Pinned 🙂

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 27, 2014 at 8:19 am

      Thanks so much, Chelsea!

      Reply
  13. Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says

    June 27, 2014 at 7:53 am

    What a GORGEOUS shot of this pesto in your food processor! I’ve never made pesto before, but this totally made my mouth water and now I’m craving it. 🙂

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 27, 2014 at 8:18 am

      Kristi, you’ve got to make it! It’s so easy but delicious 🙂 Thanks for commenting!

      Reply
  14. Bri | Bites of Bri says

    June 27, 2014 at 8:37 am

    I looooove pesto! On everything…caprese, pasta, salads, eggs…the options are endless!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 27, 2014 at 8:59 am

      Exactly! Thanks, Bri 🙂

      Reply
  15. Allison says

    June 27, 2014 at 10:03 am

    Yum! Love the simplicity of this recipe. Letting the ingredients stand out on their own always makes for the yummiest food!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 27, 2014 at 10:33 am

      I totally agree, Allison! Thanks for commenting 🙂

      Reply
  16. Anne says

    June 27, 2014 at 10:04 am

    I hate tomato all over my pasta. This would be great with pasta! I love how quick it is to whip up and how green it looks!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 27, 2014 at 10:34 am

      Glad to know I’m not alone 🙂 I love simplicity too. Thanks!

      Reply
  17. Annie @Maebells says

    June 27, 2014 at 2:54 pm

    Looks fabulous! I just wish pine nuts didn’t cost an arm and a leg! Walnuts are a pretty good substitution though!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 27, 2014 at 3:01 pm

      Yeah, I sometimes do half and half. A bag of pignolis goes for around $7 at Trader Joe’s and really lasts a while, though! Thanks, Annie 🙂

      Reply
  18. Danielle says

    June 27, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    I’ve never had pesto with pasta and now I’m wondering why?! This looks delicious and I love how easy it is to make. Pinned!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 27, 2014 at 6:45 pm

      You’ve never had pesto?!! You literally have to make it and soon 🙂

      Reply
  19. GiGi Eats says

    June 28, 2014 at 12:39 am

    Ugh, this sound phenomenal! It would pair so well with grilled eggplant rounds or portobello mushrooms! 🙂

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 28, 2014 at 9:14 am

      Ooh I love portobello mushrooms! Great idea 🙂

      Reply
  20. Jess @ whatjessicabakednext.com says

    June 28, 2014 at 4:52 am

    Love making homemade pesto in the summer! I’m the same as you, you can give me a bowl of pasta with pesto instead of boring old tomato pasta any day! 🙂 Looks divine, definitely got to try your recipe out!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 28, 2014 at 9:13 am

      Thanks so much, Jess!

      Reply
  21. Jules @ WolfItDown says

    June 28, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    Ah – I wish I had a good blender like you! Pesto is fantastic, and such a good pairing with pasta 🙂 This recipe sounds great! You have a lovely blog 🙂 x

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 28, 2014 at 7:20 pm

      Thanks, Jules, I love my food processor! I got it for my birthday (yeah, I’m the kind of person who asks for a food processor for her birthday…) and it was so worth it. It’s this one if you want to check it out. It’s small but affordable and very powerful. If you’re like me, and aren’t always cooking for a large crowd, it’s perfect 🙂

      Reply
      • Jules @ WolfItDown says

        June 30, 2014 at 5:30 pm

        Wow, thank you so much Medha, and also for your kind words on my blog 😀
        I am definitely usually only cooking for myself or me and a friend whenever I have dinner guests, and so that processor looks so good! Can you make nut-butter with it too, do you know? X

        Reply
        • Jules @ WolfItDown says

          June 30, 2014 at 5:32 pm

          PS. I would totally ask for kitchen stuff for my birthday too, no shame in that – just a bit of an obsession, or a tasty hobby and passion as I prefer to call it 😉 x

          Reply
          • Medha says

            June 30, 2014 at 5:57 pm

            I haven’t tried nut butters in it yet, although I’m sure I’ll make a post when I do. I’m pretty confident it could do small batches, though! 🙂

  22. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says

    June 30, 2014 at 5:49 pm

    True that! I love pesto but, unfortunately, my husband doesn’t. Sometimes I make it anyways. Five minutes is hard to resist!!! I’ll try this next time the craving strikes!

    Reply
    • Medha says

      June 30, 2014 at 5:57 pm

      Thanks, Lindsey! 🙂

      Reply
  23. Olivia Ribas- Primavera Kitchen says

    July 1, 2014 at 12:03 am

    I love how green it looks. Great recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Medha says

      July 1, 2014 at 12:31 am

      Thanks, Olivia! 🙂

      Reply

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