Vegan Pesto

Created on 7/20/2023

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Fresh Basil (packed, large stems removed)
  • 3 tablespoons Walnuts (or pine nuts, if nut-free, try sunflower seeds!)
  • 3 large cloves Garlic (peeled)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 4 tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
  • ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt (plus more to taste)
  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 6 tablespoons Water (plus more as needed)

Instructions

Step One: To a food processor or small blender, add the basil, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and sea salt and blend/mix on high until a loose paste forms

Step Two: Add olive oil a little at a time (streaming in while the machine is on if possible) and scrape down sides as needed. Then add 1 Tbsp (15 ml) water at a time until the desired consistency is reached – a thick but pourable sauce. (If avoiding oil altogether, sub the oil with vegetable broth or just use all water)

Step Three: Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, salt for overall flavor, nuts for nuttiness, garlic for bite / zing, or lemon juice for acidity

Notes: This sauce will be good in the fridge for up to a week.