If your pasta is bored and needs a little pesto change then this vegan asparagus pesto is the perfect fresh and flavorful topping to take things up a notch! Bursting with flavor and so easy to make.
Who's ready for some spring?! I AM!!! I know some of you reading this are still wearing cozy sweaters and dealing with bad weather, and I hope you don't hate me, but here is Southern California warm weather is happening more than it's not and I see a glimpse of summer on the horizon.
I get a little pep in my step at this time of year, and the creativity reaches an all time high. Currently, I am obsessed with asparagus. It's such a fresh, easy to use and delicious spring veggie!
You can go as simple as roasting it (try my recipe for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and sub asparagus instead) or even throw it in some pasta. But this asparagus pesto is my new favorite way to use it! It's super easy and a great way to get in those veggies.
Drizzle with maple balsamic reduction for the ultimate flavor!
Asparagus Pesto Just Screams Spring
Spring to me not only means amazing fresh recipes like this asparagus pesto, but it means time to clean up my act a bit to prepare for tank tops, bathing suits and beach days.
Spending long lazy days at the beach with my boys is my absolute favorite activity. April marks the beginning of this change in season, and gives us that itch to not only clean up our diets but our bodies and life in general.
You'll always see piles start this time of year of all we are giving away, from toys to clothes, books, kitchen supplies. The list is endless. Purging makes me feel SO good!
I get my boys involved and have them pick toys they don't use as much anymore to give to kids less fortunate. They actually love it and it melts my heart to see them fill up their bags and proclaim that some kids will be so happy to get toys. Cleaning yourself and life from the inside out is the perfect way to kickstart this season!
Spring is here and it's not waiting! Grab a blender, a bunch of asparagus and make yourself this vegan asparagus pesto! I'd love to hear from you so don't forget to leave me a comment here, find me on Instagram (tag me at veggiesdontbite AND #veggiesdontbite so I don’t miss it) or on Facebook!
And if you love what you see and aren’t subscribed to my blog, then head to my subscribe box and enter your email. That way you’ll never miss a post or any other fun things I send your way! I will be starting a series of subscriber only recipes, so you definitely don't want to miss those!
More Pasta Recipes You Might Like;
- High protein Mexican fajita pasta
- Roasted butternut squash and spinach pasta
- Roasted veggies and pasta
- Creamy vegan mushroom orzo with mushrooms and peas
- Vegan stuffed shells with cauliflower ricotta
Asparagus Pesto with Pistachios and Balsamic Reduction Drizzle (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus ends trimmed off (about a pound)
- ½ cup flat leaf parsley
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios see note, plus a few more for optional garnish (crush these)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus a pinch of zest for optional garnish
- 1 tablespoon veggie broth ,low sodium if needed
- 2 garlic cloves medium, about 1 inch long
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt adjust to your liking
- 24 ounces of your favorite pastaBalsamic maple reduction optional:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
Instructions
- Wash and trim asparagus. Cut into 2-3 inch pieces. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook asparagus for about 2-3 minutes, depending on how cooked you want it.
- I like mine al dente. Start checking at 2 minutes. Once it’s reached your preferred level of doneness, strain and rinse in cold water to stop it from cooking longer.
- Put the asparagus along with all other ingredients, except for the pasta, into a food processor or blender. Pulse until everything is finely chopped or pureed, depending on how you want it. I like it a tad chunky.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving some pasta water if you want to thin out the pesto.
- While the pasta is cooking make balsamic reduction by adding everything to a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for about 9 minutes stirring every few minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a glass container.
- Once pasta is done, drain and put it back into the pot. Add in the desired amount of pesto. Mix well.
- You can add some reserved pasta water to thin out if you prefer. Serve on plates with a drizzle of the balsamic reduction and sprinkle of crushed pistachios and lemon zest.
Notes
- You can use roasted or raw pistachios, although raw shelled are harder to find.
- If you don’t have veggie broth, you can sub in water but the broth adds a touch of flavor.
- The balsamic reduction is optional for an added layer of flavor to this dish, I highly recommend it as it only takes a few minutes to make.
- Tips to prep ahead: Make pesto and balsamic reduction.
- Baby/kid food idea: Make sure pesto is fully blended without any chunks. Cook pasta until well done and serve for older baby. For younger baby you can blend pasta in with the pesto.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Mel@avirtualvegan.com
I could dive right into that mound of pasta! Your pesto sounds divine and I love the sound of the balsamic drizzle. Perfect!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Mel! I can always dive into a plate of pasta! Ha!!
Janet Murray
OMG! I made this yesterday (had to skip the balsamic glaze because my husband was not a fan of sweet)
It was SO simple and DELICIOUS!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you so much Janet!! My hubby didn't use the glaze either. But I'm so thrilled you liked it and so appreciate you telling me here!!
The Vegan 8
Ok, why is this plate of pasta madness not in front of me right now!!?? This looks like the SHIZ!! Seriously, I love how you twirled the pasta in groups, haha, it looks amazing and damn delicious! I LOVE asparagus so much but I never buy it anymore since it's a no-no for Jay and gout 🙁 But I should probably make an exception for this. I have never had asparagus pesto before, but I've had asparagus soup and it's one I used to make pre-vegan days and now that I've seen this, you just inspired me to create a vegan version, haha!
Amazing recipe and now I'm cracking up because I now realize how way off I was on my guess of the two sauces pic you had on IG! This looks much better!
veggiesdontbite
Haha!! Thanks so much friend! It was fun styling it. I love twirled spaghetti. It's so cool! Yes on the soup! I love asparagus soup and have the best story from my childhood about it. Yes, you were way off. Lolol!!
Aimee / Wallflower Kitchen
I love asparagus. One of my favourite seasonal veggies! Beautiful recipe 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Aimee!!
Simple Sumptuous cooking
Looks super cool. Pesto and asparagus both are favorite to me 🙂
veggiesdontbite
Thanks! Me too!
Jenn
Yum! I'm so happy asparagus season is here!! I've never tried making a pesto with it, but now I will! Looks so yummy!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Jenn! Asparagus is so yum!!
Letty / Letty's Kitchen
Love this idea--plus your photos are so drool-worthy!
Pinned!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much! You're too kind!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme
Yum! This looks delicious! I should have made it for dinner tonight!!
veggiesdontbite
Ha! Thanks Sam!
Linda @ Veganosity
LOVE asparagus and that pesto looks amazing. So does the mountain of pasta. YUM!
I'm happy with my vegan skincare line, but you've convinced me to try OSEA. I love glass bottles.
Spring is always an annoying season because the weather in Chicago is horrible. 70 one day and snow and sleet for the next two weeks. I just have to keep reminding myself that short and swimsuit season will eventually arrive so I increase my workout intensity. I also like to refresh the decor in my house and bring out the lighter carpets, pillows, and accessories.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Linda!! That mound of pasta was much needed!
The glass bottles that OSEA comes in completely won me over. There's just something about glass! I'm so happy that I love the product inside too. Lol!
Hoping your weather isn't too bad this year. Sending sunny vibes!
Becky Striepe
Oh my gosh, what a creative spin on plain ol pesto. This looks fabulous!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Becky!! I love to mix it up!
Lucy
This is absolutely gorgeous! Pinning to make ASAP this spring!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Lucy!!
Kelly
Love the spring clean up. I'm really excited for the new season, and this fabulous looking recipe!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Kelly!! I love cleaning up in spring!
Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily
I'm SO ready for Spring!!!! Especially for asparagus to be in season!
veggiesdontbite
It's all over here in southern California! Love it!
Valentina
This recipe is so beautiful! Inside & out! I LOVE spring cleaning, too! (Wish I could say my boys were as eager as yours, but they tend to hold on to certain toys that I see collecting dust.) 😉
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Valentina! I think they are like me, getting rid of old to make room for new 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You've created a mountain of spring with some of the most delicious sounding toppings <3 And pistachios...ah, one of the best!
veggiesdontbite
I love pistachios too! Such a good nut!