4.8 from 108 votes
The Best Vegan Pesto Recipe
This vegan pesto combines fresh basil leaves with raw macadamia nuts, garlic, and nutritional yeast, creating a thick, creamy sauce. Olive oil and water are added gradually for the desired smoothness, and seasoning with salt and black pepper rounds out the flavors. Its versatility allows it to be used in pasta dishes, as a spread, or a dip, making it a flavorful plant-based alternative for a variety of meals.
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
Servings:
8
servings
Calories:
209 kcal
Course:
Condiments
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups or 140 g basil fresh leaves
- 2/3 cup or 90 g macadamia nuts raw
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 tablespoons water
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add basil leaves, macadamia, garlic and nutritional yeast in a cup of a food processor or blender and blend until a thick paste forms, scrapping sides. Add extra virgin olive oil and water, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- This recipe yields about 1 cup of pesto, suitable for 8 servings at 2 tablespoons each.
- Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing pesto in ice cube trays is an effective way to preserve it for up to 3 months.
- Adjust water gradually to control the sauce's consistency, making it chunkier or smoother.
- Feel free to substitute macadamia nuts with walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, or other nuts according to preference.
- Leafy greens like arugula or kale can replace basil for a varied flavor and added nutrition.
- Adding ingredients like avocado or sun-dried tomatoes can change the flavor profile if desired.
- Omitting oil and using ripe tomatoes can create an oil-free version of this pesto.
Nutrition Information
Calories
209kcal
(10%)
Carbohydrates
5g
(2%)
Protein
4g
(8%)
Fat
20g
(31%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Sodium
3mg
(0%)
Potassium
284mg
(6%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
3120IU
(62%)
Vitamin C
11.1mg
(12%)
Calcium
123mg
(12%)
Iron
2.7mg
(15%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 209
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 209kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 3mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 284mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 3120IU | 62% |
| Vitamin C | 11.1mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 123mg | 12% |
| Iron | 2.7mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.