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July 15, 2021 2 Comments

Vegan Basil Pesto (whole30, gluten-free)

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Vegan Basil Pesto is so delicious and versatile, use it on anything, really!
Vegan Basil Pesto (whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free)

I love making homemade pesto. It’s perfect on practically anything. Top it over toasties, toss it in pasta, add it to quinoa, or drizzle it over salmon. The possibilities are endless. 

Since I’m constantly using pesto, I figured it’s about time I share my recipe and make a post out of it so I can easily refer back to it as needed.
Vegan Basil Pesto (whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free)

How do you keep pesto green?

Since I added walnuts to my pesto, it won’t be as bright green as if you were to use pine nuts.

  • I find that lemon juice prevents the pesto from oxidizing.
  • Also, throw in a couple ice cubes while blending which stops the oxidation process.
  • When storing pesto in the refrigerator, cover the pesto with a plastic wrap and make sure the plastic wrap is touching down on the pesto. This will help keep the pesto green.

What can you use instead of walnuts?

Traditionally, pesto is made with pine nuts which are pretty expensive. I love using walnuts as an alternate, however you may use pine nuts. pistachios, or almonds.

Can you make pesto nut-free?

Absolutely! Instead of using walnuts, feel free to use sunflower or pumpkin seeds which work really well in pesto. I would use the same amount of seeds in place of walnuts, however feel free to add a little more if you wish. 

Tips on making Basil Pesto:

  • You will need a food processor to make pesto.
  • To begin with, pulse the basil and nuts.
  • Add most of the other ingredients. Pulse some more.
  • Stream in the olive oil while the food processor is running.

Vegan Basil Pesto is:

Delicious
Versatile
Just as good with cheese
6 ingredients
Gluten-free
Vegan
Vegan Basil Pesto (whole30, gluten-free, dairy-free)

How to make Vegan Basil Pesto recipe step by step?

1. In a food processor, add fresh basil and walnuts.
2. Pulse a few times until basil is chopped.
3. Add garlic, green chilies, an ice cube, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pulse until well-blended.
5. Stream in the olive oil while running the food processor.
6. Adjust salt as per taste. Pesto is ready.

 

Enjoy!

 

More Pesto-inspired Recipes!

  • Roasted Tomatoes Burrata Pasta with Pesto
  • Pesto Caprese Panini
  • Veggie Pesto Flatbread Pizza
  • Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles
  • Caprese Portabello Mushroom Pesto Pizza
Pin Recipe Print Recipe

Vegan Basil Pesto

Vegan Basil Pesto is so delicious and versatile, use it on anything, really!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time15 mins
Course Sauces
Cuisine Italian
Diet Whole30, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 125kcal
Author: Nisha

Equipment

Food Processor 11-Cup

Ingredients

  • 3 cups basil
  • 1/3 cup walnuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1-2 green chilies
  • salt to taste
  • touch of black pepper
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 ice cubes

Instructions

  • In a food processor, add fresh basil and walnuts.
  • Pulse a few times until basil is chopped.
  • Add garlic, green chilies, an ice cube, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
  • Pulse until well-blended.
  • Stream in the olive oil while running the food processor.
  • Adjust salt as per taste. Pesto is ready.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 381IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @honeywhatscooking or tag #honeywhatscooking!

Recipe 

Previous Post: « Roasted Tomatoes Burrata Pasta with Pesto (vegetarian, gf option)
Next Post: Aloo Paratha Quesadilla (vegetarian) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ramya says

    July 16, 2021 at 11:21 AM

    will be making this and your other pesto dishes soon i love pesto sooooooooooo much sorry i skip commenting on this yesterday as was tired after work perfect for my after office meals and pesto wraps will dm you if i make this and other pesto dishes and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya

    Reply
  2. Reena says

    May 27, 2022 at 1:48 PM

    5 stars
    It worked perfectly – I used sunflower seeds instead of nuts but didn’t adjust the salt, so that’s on me. I love it.

    Reply

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