Servings
Font
Back
Vegan Basil Sunflower Seed Pesto (Without Pine Nuts)
5 from 129 votes

Vegan Basil Sunflower Seed Pesto (Without Pine Nuts)

This vegan basil pesto uses sunflower seeds in place of pine nuts, blended with fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. The combination of nutty seeds and savory nutritional yeast delivers depth and richness, while lemon juice adds brightness. It's versatile for tossing with pasta, spreading on toast or pizza, or serving as a dip.

Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 462 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Italian, American

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basil
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds raw
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3-4 garlic cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice fresh

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until creamy. Usually, 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
  2. Toss with warm pasta, spread on toast or pizza, or use as a dip.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts to suit your taste preferences.
  • Use this pesto immediately on warm pasta or as a spread on toast or pizza.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days to maintain freshness.

Nutrition Information

Calories 462kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 45g (69%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Polyunsaturated Fat 11g (65%) Monounsaturated Fat 26g (130%) Sodium 296mg (12%) Potassium 356mg (8%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 652IU (13%) Vitamin C 7mg (8%) Calcium 58mg (6%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 462

% Daily Value*

Calories 462kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 45g 69%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11g 65%
Monounsaturated Fat 26g 130%
Sodium 296mg 12%
Potassium 356mg 8%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 652IU 13%
Vitamin C 7mg 8%
Calcium 58mg 6%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.