Vegan pesto

Your introduction to plant-based vegan pesto

Fragrant and flavourful, pesto pasta is a much-loved Italian staple – the good news is that you can replicate the signature rich, nutty, garlicky taste of the classic dish using only plant-based ingredients. 

A dairy-free alternative, our vegan pesto recipe has all the delicious characteristics of a traditional pesto sauce and is as versatile. Not only does vegan pesto pasta make a hearty meal, but vegan pesto can also be served as a dip, drizzled on roasted vegetables for vibrancy and texture, and used to add rich flavour to salad dressings, soups, sandwiches and wraps.

The key ingredients you’ll need for this vegan pesto sauce recipe

 We start with classic pesto ingredients, like good quality olive oil, the freshest basil, garlic and pine nuts. Then, in place of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, we add lemon juice for signature sharpness (and to keep it nice and moist) and nutritional yeast for that pungent cheese flavour that gives depth to a pesto sauce.

If you haven’t discovered nutritional yeast, you will love the flaky, nutrient-dense cheese substitute. As well as delivering the flavour of cheese, it is fat-free and a source of B vitamins. An inactive dried yeast, nutritional yeast makes a handy ingredient whenever you want to swap out cheese in a recipe. Try sprinkling it on top of your pesto vegan pasta or any vegan pasta dishes.

Quick tips to make vegan pesto like a pro

Depending on how you want to serve your pesto, you can start with less oil, for instance, to create a thicker sauce for a dip or spread. Or gradually add more oil for a thinner consistency. The garlic and lemon can be adjusted to taste as well.

Toasting the pine nuts isn’t compulsory, but it will release the oils and create a richer, more dynamic taste. Heat a frying pan then toast the pine nuts for a couple of minutes, tossing occasionally until golden. If you prefer, swap out the pine nuts for cashews or walnuts.  

More ways to enjoy vegan basil pesto

For an easy midweek meal, vegan pasta with pesto is particularly good when made with linguine or spaghetti. Toss in some grilled zucchini for extra greenness. Handy for side dishes, vegan basil pesto sauce will add instant flair to your next tray of roasted vegetables and is a colourful condiment for potato or sweet potato wedges and zucchini fritters.  Plus, it’s right at home in risotto-style pesto rice with peas. 

You can also serve vegan pesto as a dressing for a green goddess salad, spread on crisp salty crackers for a flavourful appetiser, or slather on a crunchy bruschetta and top with tomato and extra basil leaves.