Chard Pesto Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Plant-Based Sauce

If you’re looking for a fresh twist on traditional pesto that’s both vibrant and packed with nutrients, this vegan chard pesto recipe is a must-try. Swiss chard, with its hearty greens and slightly earthy flavor, makes a fantastic base for pesto, offering a delightful alternative to the usual basil.

This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, perfect for anyone wanting to add a nutritious punch to pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply a lover of green goodness, this chard pesto is bursting with flavor and texture. It combines wholesome ingredients like nuts, garlic, and nutritional yeast to create a creamy, savory sauce without any dairy.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Ready to whip up a batch of this green magic? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chard pesto recipe is a nutritious powerhouse that brings a unique flavor profile to your table. Unlike traditional basil pesto, chard offers a slightly earthy, robust taste that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes.

It’s completely vegan and dairy-free, making it suitable for plant-based diets.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and can be made in under 10 minutes using just a food processor or blender.

It’s a fantastic way to use up fresh chard from the garden or market, and it keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Plus, the nutritional benefits are impressive. Chard is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like magnesium and iron.

Combined with nuts and olive oil, this pesto is a healthy source of fats and protein.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh Swiss chard leaves (stems removed and roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup raw walnuts or pine nuts
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (adds cheesy flavor)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Jar or airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. Prepare the chard: Rinse the Swiss chard leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Remove the tough stems and roughly chop the leaves.
2. Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pine nuts for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly golden. This step enhances the nutty flavor.
3. Blend the base ingredients: In your food processor or blender, combine the toasted nuts, garlic cloves, and nutritional yeast. Pulse until finely chopped.
4. Add the chard: Add the chopped chard leaves to the processor and pulse a few times until the greens are coarsely chopped and mixed.
5. Incorporate liquids: With the processor running on low, slowly pour in the olive oil and lemon juice. Continue blending until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You can make it chunky or smooth.
6. Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pulse a few more times to combine.
7. Adjust consistency: If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or more olive oil to loosen it up.
8. Store and serve: Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

To keep your pesto bright green, blanch the chard leaves in boiling water for 30 seconds and plunge them into ice water before blending.

Feel free to experiment with different nuts — almonds or cashews work beautifully if you want a milder flavor. For a little extra zing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small handful of fresh basil or parsley leaves.

If you prefer a creamier pesto, try adding 1/4 cup of soaked cashews before blending. For a nut-free version, substitute the nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

To make this recipe oil-free, use water or vegetable broth instead of olive oil and add avocado for creaminess.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan chard pesto is incredibly versatile. Toss it with your favorite pasta for a simple weeknight meal, or spread it on a crusty baguette for a quick appetizer.

It also makes a fantastic topping for roasted vegetables, grilled tofu, or as a flavorful dip with fresh crudités.

For a creative twist, use it as a sauce base for your next pizza or swirl it into soups like minestrone or vegetable broth for an herby boost. If you’re interested in other vegan recipes that add bold flavors to your meals, check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes or the bright and fresh Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan chard pesto is a wonderful way to enjoy the bounty of leafy greens in an exciting new form. It’s simple, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, perfect for those who love wholesome, plant-based cooking.

The blend of chard, nuts, and nutritional yeast creates a deliciously creamy and savory sauce that enhances any dish.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this pesto is sure to impress with its vibrant color and rich taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to tailor it to your preference, and enjoy the many health benefits that come with it.

For more delicious and healthy ideas, explore our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or try something new like our Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for a non-vegan option.

Happy cooking and enjoy every bite of this delightful vegan chard pesto!

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