Vegan Basil Pesto

We usually make this vegan basil pesto when we’re making Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Vegan Italian Sausage Pasta but it can actually be used for mostly all pesto-based dishes.

This vegan basil pesto is packed with fresh basil leaves that have such an herby, earthy, fresh aroma. In addition to its wonderful flavor, basil is one of the healthiest herbs you can use. It’s rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, and has many powerful antioxidants. Basil also includes iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium.

As if that wasn’t enough, basil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains DNA-protecting flavonoids. I’m no scientist but flavonoids are good! The flavonoids and oils in basil protect our cells and chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage – THAT’S AMAZING.

If biology has your head spinning, just know – basil tastes good and is good for you too. Blended with fresh lemon, garlic, cashews, olive oil and a splash of almond milk – it makes a wonderful, simple, creamy 100% VEGAN pesto.

It’s really so simple, just place all ingredients into a food processor or high-speed blender and blend for about 2 minutes. You can add more almond milk if you want a creamier consistency or more lemon juice if you like the brightness it adds.

We don’t soak our cashews for this one and it works out just fine but, I could imagine that using soaked or boiled cashews might even add extra creaminess. Let us know in the comments if you try it that way!

*UPDATE* We added a recipe for oil-free basil pesto to our blog. Check it out!

4 from 2 votes

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Vegan Lemon Basil Pesto

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

 

This lemon basil pesto is earthy, aromatic, and bright. With only six simple ingredients, blending this up is quick and easy.

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 4 servings

Calories per Serving: 225 kcal

Author: Pasta-based

Ingredients

• 1 big handful fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup raw cashews
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoon unsweetened almond milk start with 2 but add more if it looks like you'll need more liquid
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt + pepper each

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients into a food processor or high speed blender. Blend on high for 2 minutes.

Recipe Notes

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Lemon Basil Pesto

Amount Per Serving

Calories 225 Calories from Fat 198

% Daily Value*

Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Sodium 11mg0%

Potassium 86mg2%

Carbohydrates 4g1%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 15IU0%

Vitamin C 6.4mg8%

Calcium 16mg2%

Iron 0.8mg4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.