Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a burst of fresh flavors? Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with this Simple Dairy-Free Pesto that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up in just 10 minutes! Say goodbye to store-bought sauces and hello to a vibrant, homemade blend that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a dip for fresh veggies, this pesto is the perfect way to bring a taste of Italy to your table without the dairy. Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients: fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Rinse the fresh basil leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This step enhances their flavor but is optional if you prefer them raw.
- Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them to help them blend more easily.
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, chopped garlic, and nutritional yeast. Pulse a few times until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue processing until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You can add more olive oil if you prefer a thinner pesto.
- Once the pesto is well blended, taste it and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Blend again briefly to incorporate the seasoning.
- Transfer the dairy-free pesto to a clean jar or airtight container. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If storing, consider drizzling a little extra olive oil on top to help preserve its vibrant color.
- Enjoy your simple dairy-free pesto as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for fresh vegetables!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to a flavorful pesto is using fresh basil leaves. Look for bright green, vibrant leaves without any brown spots for the best taste.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: Lightly toasting the pine nuts in a skillet enhances their nuttiness and adds depth to your pesto. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner pesto, simply add more olive oil while blending until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
- Storage Tips: To keep your pesto fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top before sealing to help maintain its vibrant green color.
- Versatile Uses: Don’t limit your pesto to pasta! Use it as a flavorful spread on sandwiches, a topping for grilled vegetables, or even as a marinade for meats.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your pesto by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even a hint of chili flakes for some heat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
