Description
Make your own Basic Vegan Basil Pesto the quick, healthy, and easy way using this simple recipe, featuring fresh basil, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and whatever nuts and seeds you prefer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh loosely packed basil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup nuts or seeds (i.e., walnuts, pumpkin seeds, almonds, chia seeds, pine nuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts)
Instructions
- Place basil in the container of a high-powered blender or food processor.
- Add black pepper, salt, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, and nuts or seeds.
- Process for about 3 minutes, until very smooth and creamy. May stop as needed to scrape down sides.
- Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate until ready to use. May store up to 10 days in the refrigerator, or up to 6 months in the freezer.
- Makes 12 servings (1/4 cup each; or 3 cups total).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dip
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 81
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g