Vegan basil pesto sauce is a freshly prepared sauce by pounding or crushing fresh basil leaves. Traditionally pesto sauce is made by using pine nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves and parmesan cheese.
This recipe is a vegan version of pesto and believe me it tastes so delicious!!! I have used, , Nutritional yeast, for cheesy flavor, which is a good source of Vitamin B complex.
Enjoy this pesto sauce in your pasta, have it with a freshly baked bread or you can make pesto sandwiches. I will be posting the recipes to make baguette and pesto sandwiches soon. Please try this recipe and do let know in comments.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh basil leaves | 2 Cups (lightly packed) |
| Walnuts/Pine nuts/Cashew nuts | ½ Cup |
| Extra-Virgin Olive Oil | 5 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves (roughly chopped) | 4Nos. |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Freshly crushed pepper | ½ tsp |
| Nutritional yeast | 2 tbsp |
| Lime juice | 1 ½ tbsp |
Recipe:
- In a food processor or a blender, add basil leaves, walnuts, nutritional yeast, lime juice, salt , pepper, chopped garlic. Add 2 tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil
- If you want a chunky texture, use the pulse option.
- If you want a smooth and creamy texture, then blend it longer
- Add remaining olive oil and mix well.
- You may vary the quantity of nuts and nutritional yeast as per your choice
- You may add more olive oil if you like
- Enjoy with freshly baked bread or use it for making pesto pasta or sandwiches
Tips:
- Store the pesto sauce in an air-tight container
- You can refrigerate the pesto in an air-tight container up to two weeks
- If you make the pesto in a big batch, you can divide in to freezer safe containers and keep it for 3-4 Months










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Loved the recipe Chitra!
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Thank you so much!!!
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Thank you !!
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We tried this recipe today and it was fantastic!
Reminded me of my favourite Italian restaurant
I urge everyone to give this recipe a try.
Beyond amazing!
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Thank you so much fir trying! I am glad you loved it!!
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Thank you so much!!! I am glad that you loved it!!!
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Thank you so much Saee Anawalikar !
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Hi Chitra. Can i use normal yeast?
Thanks
Pallavi
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No , you can’t! Nutritional yeast is deactivated form of yeast. Baking yeast has active yeast . We are using it to increase the nutritional value and to replace the cheese. Thanks for asking😊
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