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    Home ▸ Vegan Sauces and Toppings

    The Best Vegan Basil Pesto Recipe

    Last modified: October 5, 2022. Originally posted: March 1, 2021 By Sophia DeSantis

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    Text overlay about pesto and a photo of pasta with the pesto sauce
    Top view of a food processor with blended pesto inside sitting on a wooden surface
    Collage of pesto on a spoon and mixed with pasta and text overlay

    This basil based vegan pesto recipe tastes amazing and is so versatile. Uses only a few whole food ingredients to get maximum flavor!

    Fork getting a bite of pesto covered fettuccini pasta from a grey bowl
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    I love adding flavor to my recipes, and this pesto is such an easy way to do it! We keep it stocked in the freezer for quick use any time we need. It can be used for so much more than pesto pasta!

    We love pesto so much, I have multiple pesto recipes including Kale Pesto, Broccoli Pesto, Asparagus Pesto, even Spinach Tahini Pesto! While variety in flavors is wonderful, sometimes you just want the classic, and that's exactly what this pesto recipe is!

    Ingredients

    So much flavor from so few ingredients, it's unbelievable! Here's what you need:

    • Basil
    • Vegan Parmesan cheese
    • Garlic
    • Veggie broth 
    A wooden surface with basil, parmesan, broth and garlic cloves on it

    How To Make Vegan Pesto

    Once you see how easy it is to make your own pesto, you'll never go back to store bought! Here's what to do:

    1. Blend everything.Top view of a food processor with blended pesto inside sitting on a wooden surface
    2. Enjoy!Wooden spoon getting a scoop of pesto from a glass jar

    Serving suggestions

    Pesto adds such great flavor to your breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snacks! Of course you can mix it with your favorite pasta for a simple and delicious meal, but don't stop there! Try these tasty ideas:

    • Spread on your favorite bread
    • Make a Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies
    • Use in Creamy Pesto Lasagna
    • Serve as a dip for Crispy Baked Eggplant Fries or Oven Baked Fries
    • Slather it in sandwiches or burgers like my Lentil Veggie Burger
    • Toss with Gluten Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi
    • Step your Mashed Potatoes up a notch by mixing in the pesto

    Tips and tricks

    This vegan pesto is incredibly simple and easy, but here's a few more suggestions to make the best pesto ever!

    • There are a number of types of basil, but most likely your store will have sweet or Italian basil, either will work for this pesto recipe.
    • Pack in extra nutrients by adding more greens like spinach, chard, or kale!
    • Using some oil is recommended but not necessary. If you don't use oil, add more broth instead to achieve your desired consistency.
    • If you do use oil, I recommend Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
    • For creamy pesto, use more broth or oil and blend until it's smooth. For a more textured pesto, don't add as much liquid and simply pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
    • Salt is optional, definitely taste before you add it as the cheese you use may be salty enough.
    • This pesto will keep for one week in your refrigerator, great to have on hand for easy meals!
    • You can also freeze this pesto for up to 3 months.

    Common Questions

     What is vegan pesto made of?

    Vegan pesto can be made from a variety of ingredients. This particular vegan pesto consists of basil, vegan parmesan, garlic, veggie broth, oil, and salt.

    Is Pesto vegan friendly?

    Traditionally no, as pesto contains parmesan cheese. But luckily enough I have a recipe for vegan Parmesan cheese that I use in this vegan friendly pesto.

    What is a good substitute for pine nuts in pesto?

    You can omit pine nut, as I have in this pesto recipe, or you can use almost any other nut or seed. Popular substitutions are: walnuts, pistachios, cashews, almonds, pecans, and sunflower seeds.

    More Vegan Sauces

    Sauces are amazing. They can be the star of the show, or used to accentuate other flavors as a condiment or dip. Here are some of our favorite plant based sauces:

    • Vegan Alfredo Sauce (which is perfect in my kid's favorite creamy mac and peas)
    • Buffalo Sauce Without Butter
    • Red Enchilada Sauce
    • Slow Cooker Tomato Sauce
    • Vegan Sharp White Cheese Sauce
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    Fork getting a bite of pesto covered fettuccini pasta from a grey bowl

    The Best Vegan Basil Pesto Recipe

    Sophia DeSantis
    This basil based vegan pesto recipe tastes amazing and is so versatile. Uses only a few whole food ingredients to get maximum flavor!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Sauce
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4
    Calories 80 kcal

    Equipment

    • Food processor

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 4 cups packed basil
    • ½ cup vegan Parmesan cheese , make my recipe or use store bought
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • ¼ cup veggie broth , low sodium if needed (see note)
    • Drizzle of olive oil , optional (see note)
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt , optional taste before you add because it depends on the cheese you use
    • your favorite pasta to serve , gluten-free if needed

    Instructions
     

    • Place ingredients into a food processor and blend until pureed. Blend all the way for super smooth, or pulse for a more textured result.
    • Serve however you desire!

    Notes

    • If you are oil free use more broth to get the consistency you want. I liked the flavor and texture with using a drizzle of oil and then adding about ¼ cup broth to get the texture I wanted. Adjust the oil and broth for your specific needs/preference.
    • This makes about 1 cup. Serving size is ¼ cup.

    Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 126mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1266IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 6mg

    Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Chelsee

      March 10, 2021 at 9:49 am

      I can't wait to try this!

      Reply
    2. Ramya

      March 06, 2021 at 6:32 pm

      will be making this soon i love pesto soooooooo much will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya

      Reply
      • veggiesdontbite

        March 07, 2021 at 5:08 pm

        Thanks Ramya!

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Sophia and I love food. As a food photographer, plant-based recipe creator, and client-centered health coach, I focus on helping people feel empowered instead of overwhelmed when it comes to overall health and wellness. Let me help you eat more plants!

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