Vegan Walnut Pesto Recipe: Easy, Delicious & Nutritious

When it comes to vibrant, flavorful sauces that elevate any dish, pesto is a timeless favorite. However, traditional pesto recipes often rely on Parmesan cheese, which isn’t suitable for vegans.

That’s where this vegan walnut pesto recipe shines! It’s a fresh, nutty, and herbaceous twist that’s entirely plant-based and easy to whip up.

Using walnuts as the star nut ingredient gives it a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic, basil, and lemon. Whether you’re drizzling it over pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a dip, this pesto is a versatile staple you’ll want in your culinary repertoire.

Not only is this recipe quick and simple, but it also harnesses wholesome ingredients without compromising on taste. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a dairy-free pesto that’s creamy and satisfying.

Ready to learn how to make this luscious, green delight? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan walnut pesto is a game-changer for anyone craving a healthy, flavorful sauce without dairy. Here’s why it stands out:

• Nutty and rich: Walnuts give a unique depth of flavor, distinct from the usual pine nuts.
• Plant-based and nutritious: Loaded with healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples make this pesto easy to prepare anytime.
• Versatile: Perfect for pasta, roasted veggies, grain bowls, or as a sandwich spread.
• Quick to prepare: Ready in under 10 minutes with minimal cleanup.

If you love experimenting with vegan sauces, you might also enjoy our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or try making your own fresh bread with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Ingredients

• 1 cup walnuts (preferably raw)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (adds cheesy flavor)
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the pesto if needed)

Equipment

• Food processor or high-speed blender – for blending the pesto ingredients smoothly
• Measuring cups and spoons – to get the ingredient amounts just right
• Spatula – to scrape down the sides and mix
• Jar or airtight container – for storing leftover pesto

Instructions

1. Toast the walnuts: Place the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. This step enhances their nutty flavor. Allow to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the basil: Rinse the fresh basil leaves and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Add ingredients to the food processor: Combine the toasted walnuts, basil leaves, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in the bowl of your food processor.
4. Pulse to combine: Pulse the mixture several times to roughly chop and mix the ingredients.
5. Stream in olive oil: While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue processing until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time to thin it out.
6. Taste and adjust: Sample the pesto and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed for balance.
7. Store or serve: Transfer your walnut pesto to a jar or airtight container. It can be used immediately or refrigerated for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in small portions.

Tips & Variations

“Freshness is key when making pesto—always use fresh basil and freshly toasted walnuts for the best flavor!”

• Nut alternatives: While walnuts are the star here, you can experiment with pecans or almonds for a different but equally delicious twist.
• Herb swaps: Try mixing basil with fresh parsley or spinach for a milder flavor and extra nutrients.
• Garlic intensity: Adjust the garlic amount to your preference; roasting the garlic beforehand can mellow its bite.
• Cheesy flavor: Nutritional yeast is essential for that cheesy undertone, but vegan parmesan can be used if preferred.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Storage tip: Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top of the pesto in the jar to prevent oxidation and keep it fresh longer.

Nutrition Facts

(DV = Daily Value, based on a 2,000 calorie diet)

Serving Suggestions

This vegan walnut pesto is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes with its bright, nutty flavor.

• Toss with pasta: Warm pasta with a few spoonfuls of pesto for a quick and tasty meal.
• Spread on sandwiches or wraps: Use as a flavorful spread instead of mayo or mustard.
• Drizzle over roasted vegetables: Enhance the taste of roasted carrots, potatoes, or zucchini.
• Use as a dip: Serve with fresh veggies, crackers, or pita for an appetizer.
• Mix into grain bowls: Stir into quinoa, farro, or rice bowls for added flavor and nutrition.

If you enjoy vibrant plant-based sauces like this, check out our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or explore fresh and wholesome ideas from our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.

Conclusion

This vegan walnut pesto recipe is a delicious, nutrient-packed addition to any plant-based kitchen. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it makes embracing vegan cooking both accessible and exciting.

Its rich, nutty flavor and fresh basil brightness provide a wonderful alternative to traditional pesto, perfect for those avoiding dairy or looking to try something new.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this pesto is sure to become a go-to sauce. Store it in your fridge or freezer, and you’ll have a quick burst of flavor ready for pasta nights, sandwiches, or roasted veggies.

Don’t forget to explore other creative recipes like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat or the savory comfort of Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for effortless dinners.

Happy cooking and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this vegan walnut pesto!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Walnut Pesto”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A rich and flavorful vegan pesto made with walnuts, fresh basil, and nutritional yeast. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT0M”, “totalTime”: “PT10M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup fresh basil leaves”, “1/2 cup walnuts”, “2 cloves garlic”, “1/4 cup nutritional yeast”, “1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toast walnuts lightly in a dry pan for 3-4 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add basil, walnuts, garlic, and nutritional yeast to a food processor.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pulse until coarsely chopped.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly add olive oil while pulsing until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning to taste and serve.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “5g”, “fatContent”: “20g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “4g”}}