Oh. My. GOSH! Are you ready to pesto party like it’s 1999? 🎉 Because I’ve got a lineup of 12 fresh and flavorful vegan pesto recipes that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha slide! Trust me, after years of experimenting in my kitchen (and making my fair share of disasters), I’ve curated this list with the help of some seriously talented vegan chefs. Whether you’re a pesto pro or a novice in need of some green goodness, there’s something here for everyone. From classic basil to unconventional combos, we’re covering all the bases. So grab your food processor, put on your favorite 90s playlist, and let’s get ready to spread some joy (and pesto)!
Classic Basil Pesto
Video Recipe
Let’s kick things off with a timeless favorite, shall we?
This vegan version of the Italian classic uses nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to achieve that cheesy flavor we all crave. Blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro tip: Add a handful of spinach to boost the nutrition without compromising the flavor. Trust me, your body will thank you later!
I once served this at a dinner party, and my non-vegan friend exclaimed, “Wait, this isn’t real pesto?” Mission accomplished, my friends. Mission. Accomplished.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Video Recipe
Who says pesto has to be green? This vibrant red version will have you seeing red… in the best way possible!
Blend sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil until smooth. Add a splash of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper.
Want to take it up a notch? Throw in some roasted red peppers. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
I love spreading this on sandwiches or mixing it into pasta. It’s like a little taste of the Mediterranean, minus the passport and jet lag.
Kale and Walnut Pesto
Video Recipe
Kale yeah! This nutrient-packed pesto is perfect for when you want to feel like a health goddess but still indulge in something delicious.
Blend kale, walnuts, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Don’t be afraid to massage your kale first (yes, you read that right). It helps break down the fibers and makes for a smoother pesto. Plus, it’s a great stress reliever. Win-win!
Avocado Pesto
Video Recipe
Avocado toast, meet pesto. Pesto, meet avocado toast. Now kiss!
Blend ripe avocado, fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, and olive oil until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
This pesto is best served immediately to prevent browning. But let’s be real, it’s so good it’ll disappear faster than you can say “guacamole.”
I once made this for a brunch, and it was gone before the mimosas were even poured. That’s when you know you’ve got a winner!
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
Video Recipe
Red alert! This pesto is about to set your taste buds on fire (not literally, don’t worry).
Blend roasted red peppers, fresh basil, garlic, almonds, and olive oil until smooth. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
Pro tip: Roast your own peppers for a more intense flavor. It’s easier than you think, and it makes your kitchen smell amazing. Win-win-win!
Cilantro Jalapeño Pesto
Video Recipe
Warning: This pesto is not for the faint of heart. But if you like a little kick in your life, buckle up buttercup!
Blend fresh cilantro, jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat), garlic, pumpkin seeds, lime juice, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt.
Adjust the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. Unless you have a time machine, in which case, can I borrow it?
This pesto is perfect for tacos, burritos, or just eating straight out of the jar with a spoon. No judgment here!
Mint and Pea Pesto
Video Recipe
Spring has sprung, and this pesto is here to prove it!
Blend fresh mint leaves, cooked peas, garlic, pistachios, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
The combination of mint and peas is so refreshing, it’s like a spa day for your mouth. And who doesn’t need a little self-care, am I right?
I love serving this with some zucchini noodles for a light summer meal. It’s like a garden party in every bite!
Roasted Garlic and Sage Pesto
Video Recipe
Vampires, beware! This pesto is not for the faint of heart (or breath).
Blend roasted garlic cloves, fresh sage leaves, walnuts, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Roasting the garlic first mellows out its flavor and adds a beautiful sweetness. It’s like garlic grew up, got a makeover, and became the sophisticated cousin of raw garlic.
This pesto is perfect for fall dishes. Toss it with some roasted butternut squash, and you’ve got yourself a seasonal sensation!
Spinach and Artichoke Pesto
Video Recipe
It’s like your favorite dip and pesto had a baby, and it’s beautiful!
Blend fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Want to make it extra creamy? Add a dollop of vegan cream cheese. It’s like wrapping your taste buds in a cozy blanket.
This pesto is fantastic stirred into risotto or spread on a veggie wrap. It’s comfort food with a twist!
Carrot Top Pesto
Video Recipe
Don’t throw away those carrot tops! Turn them into this unique and delicious pesto instead.
Blend carrot tops, garlic, sunflower seeds, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
This pesto is a great way to reduce food waste and impress your friends with your culinary creativity. It’s like you’re saving the planet, one pesto at a time!
I love using this as a dip for roasted carrots. It’s a carrot-on-carrot love story that even Shakespeare couldn’t write!
Broccoli Pesto
Video Recipe
Broccoli haters, prepare to be converted!
Steam broccoli florets until tender, then blend with fresh basil, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
This pesto is a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet. It’s like a ninja, but instead of throwing stars, it’s throwing nutrients!
Toss this with some whole grain pasta for a comforting and nutritious meal. Your mom would be so proud!
Beet Pesto
Video Recipe
Last but not least, let’s end with a bang (and a vibrant pink hue)!
Roast beets until tender, then blend with fresh basil, garlic, walnuts, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
The earthy sweetness of the beets pairs beautifully with the aromatic basil. It’s like a farmers market in your mouth!
This pesto makes for a stunning presentation. Spread it on a vegan cheese board, and watch your guests’ jaws drop. Instagram worthy? I think yes!
Phew! We made it through all 12 pestos without a single food processor casualty. Give yourself a pat on the back (and maybe a glass of wine).
Remember, these recipes are just starting points. Feel free to adjust quantities, swap ingredients, or add your own twist. Cooking is all about experimentation and having fun. And if things go wrong? Well, that’s what takeout is for.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start pesto-ing! Your taste buds (and your Instagram followers) will thank you. And who knows? You might just become the next pesto prodigy. Move over, Giada De Laurentiis!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a jar of sun-dried tomato pesto and a spoon. Don’t judge me until you’ve tried it yourself!