• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Broke foodies

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact us

Vegan Basil Pesto

October 1, 2016 By Idriss 23 Comments

2.7K shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

Basil, Parmigiano, olive oil, pine nuts and you have pesto. That’s your good old stuff. All you have to do is get the best ingredients money can buy and make yourself a fantastic pasta sauce. That is until you discover how to make the best vegan basil pesto !

And 39.99 $/lb for pine nuts ? That’s just where you lost me.

Back story :

Idriss, at home, staring at a bunch of basil, his mind wondering : How am I to make pesto, without using cheese ? 

Vegan basil pesto !

This vegan basil pesto is one of my favourite pasta sauces (and pizza). Once you learn how to make it without using any cheese, you will not look back.

Vegan Basil Pesto

Now I’m gonna be honest with you, I just didn’t wanna get out of my PJs on a Sunday just to get some parmesan. So I thought hey, I’ll make it vegan, it might just work. 

Guess what ? It did.

Not only that it turned out just like pesto, it was more flavorful and the basil freshness stood out a lot more. And that is why I only make this one now. 

Here are my 3 favourite reasons to choose vegan basil pesto :

  • It is vegan ! duh … Which means there is no saturated fat in here which makes much better for your heart.
  • Instead of parmesan, I used nutritional yeast and turmeric. These are two amazing super foods that gives a nice nutty cheesy taste and pack lots of vitamins, fiber, minerals, and protein.
  • The fact that parmesan is absent here makes the basil stand out a lot more.
This vegan basil pesto is one of my favourite pasta sauces (and pizza). Once you learn how to make it without using any cheese, you will not look back.

Vegan Basil Pesto

Just look at that gorgeous color. You can add this to your pasta, on top of your bread or in your favourite sandwich. It’s a real healthy treat.

Do you like this vegan basil pesto ? Pin this and make it later !

This vegan basil pesto is one of my favourite pasta sauces (and pizza). Once you learn how to make it without using any cheese, you will not look back -Idrisstwist.com

Vegan Basil Pesto

 

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this vegan basil pesto and of course share it with us. I would love to see what you guys and gals make.

In the meantime, don’t forget to be awesome.

Idriss

Print Pin
5 from 4 votes

Basil Vegan Pesto

Learn how to make an easy vegan pesto in 10 minutes or less !
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Author Idriss

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch of basil you can leave the stems.
  • Juice and zest of half a lemon.
  • 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
  • 1 Tbsp or 2 if you want of nutritional yeast.
  • 1/2 Tsp of turmeric.
  • 1 Tbsp of cashew butter.

I use cashew butter because it has a creamy texture and a very subtle taste. You can try a different nut butter, but just remember that if the taste is strong, it will overwhelm your pesto.

  • Salt to taste.

Instructions

  • In a blender or food processor, throw in your basil, lemon juice and zest and your olive oil. Blend.
  • Now add your nutritional yeast, turmeric, salt and cashew butter and blend.
  • You should end up now with a thick creamy sauce as shown in the picture.
  • Taste and add salt if you need to.
  • Done !

If you find that it doesn't taste cheesy enough for you, just add another Tbsp of nutritional yeast and 1/2 tsp of turmeric.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @broke_foodies to be featured on our page!

     

    2.7K shares
    • Share
    • Tweet

    Filed Under: How to's, Recipe Index, Vegan

    Next Post: Creamy Vegan Dauphinoise »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Monique Nelson, Choose To Cook

      October 2, 2016 at 13:41

      5 stars
      I’ve made a lot of vegan pesto, but I’ve NEVER thought of putting Turmeric in! That is a brilliant addition for a huge health boost! I’m so glad I came across your post 🙂

      Reply
      • Idriss

        October 2, 2016 at 14:24

        Thank you, Monique. I am glad you stopped by and you enjoyed the post !

        Reply
    2. Katrina

      October 2, 2016 at 19:12

      This looks so yummy! Gonna pin this to my must make list!

      Reply
    3. Trenara

      October 2, 2016 at 19:47

      love that it only takes 10 minutes I will be trying this!

      Reply
    4. Sam - Journo and the Joker

      October 2, 2016 at 21:05

      Fresh pesto is one of my absolute favourite things. I would never have thought to add yeast but I can imagine it would give it a distinct flavour.

      Reply
    5. Carrie

      October 2, 2016 at 21:28

      This sounds amazing, and love anything that can be made in 10 minutes!!!

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Spring favorites

    Vegan Jamaican Patties- Get your bake on, not bacon, with this easy recipe for vegan Jamaican patties.

    The Best Vegan Jamaican Patties

    86 Comments

    Vegan White Bean Quesadillas served on a large plate with dip on the side

    Creamy Vegan White Bean Quesadilla | With Smokey Chipotle Dip

    Leave a Comment

    Marinated Beef Tacos served on wooden block

    Marinated Beef Tacos

    Leave a Comment

    Lebanese Falafel Served on Platter with Hummus and Tahini Sauce

    Super Fluffy Lebanese-Style Falafel | Vegan Recipe

    Leave a Comment

    Chicken Florentine served in a deep pan.

    Super Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe

    Leave a Comment

    Apple Crumb Cake

    The Very Best Apple Crumb Cake

    8 Comments

    Weeknight Beans and Toast served in a skillet

    Weeknight Beans on Toast – Eggs Anytime

    Leave a Comment

    Hi there!

    I'm Idriss. I'm a full-time student and foodie. My wife Lea and I live in Montreal and we love to make and share simple and mostly healthy recipes that fit within a reasonable budget. All foodies are welcome! Read more about us ...

    Follow us on Social!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Popular Right Now

    Easy Earl Grey Shortbread Bars| Christmas Dessert Recipe

    4 Comments

    Keto Pho | Vietnamese-Style Noodle Soup | This easy keto noodle soup is made using a rich beef broth and is served with thinly sliced flank steak.

    Keto Pho | Vietnamese Style Noodle Soup

    3 Comments

    Keto Zuppa Toscana - This is a low-carb spin on the classic Italian soup. As always, it is gluten-free and requires very little effort from you!

    Keto Zuppa Toscana – Gluten Free Recipe

    2 Comments

    Sun dried tomato pasta in a skillet

    Creamy Sun dried Tomato Pasta

    Leave a Comment

    Creamy Red Lentil Soup garnished with croutons and coconut cream

    Creamy Red Lentil Soup – Vegan Recipe

    1 Comment

    Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

    Broke Foodies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    Broke Foodies © 2022 powered by WordPress and built on Genesis Framework

     

    Loading Comments...