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Zesty Vegan Pesto: Fresh and Fast! Vegan pesto: whip up this bright, dairy-free basil pesto in minutes. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a flavorful dip. Fr

Zesty Vegan Pesto: Fresh and Fast!

Vegan pesto: whip up this bright, dairy-free basil pesto in minutes. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a flavorful dip. Fresh ingredients, quick prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz fresh basil leaves (~2 packed cups, large stems removed)
  • 2 tablespoons walnuts halves and pieces
  • 1 regular-sized or 2 small garlic cloves
  • heaping 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 lemon (may not need all)
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Method
 

  1. In a food processor, combine basil, walnuts, garlic, and salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. Add a drizzle of lemon juice, then stream in olive oil while processing until smooth. Scrape sides as needed.
  3. Taste and adjust salt or lemon juice as desired.
  4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

- For the freshest flavor, use very fresh basil and good quality extra virgin olive oil. Older oil can make your vegan pesto bitter.
- Don't over-process the pesto; a slightly chunky texture is often preferred over a completely smooth one, and over-processing can lead to bitter oil.
- If your pesto looks too thick, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a tiny splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
- To prevent browning during storage, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto before sealing the container. This limits air exposure.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.