Dairy-Free Pesto Panini

Savor the vibrant flavors of a Dairy-Free Pesto Panini, a plant-based twist on a classic favorite that's perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. This recipe features a creamy homemade pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and nutritional yeast, delivering all the richness you love without the dairy. Layered between crisp, golden ciabatta bread are juicy tomato slices, buttery avocado, tender baby spinach, and smoky roasted red bell peppers, creating a satisfying medley of textures and flavors. Ready in under 25 minutes, this vegan panini is not only delicious but also easy to prepare—a wholesome and mouthwatering choice for anyone looking to enjoy a dairy-free, plant-forward meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:8 mins

Total Time:23 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 1 large garlic clove
• 0.25 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices ciabatta bread
• 1 large ripe tomato
• 1 medium avocado
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 0.5 cup roasted red bell pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic clove, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped.

Step 3

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and process until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4

Slice the ciabatta bread into 4 equal slices if not pre-sliced. Arrange on a clean surface.

Step 5

Spread a layer of the dairy-free pesto generously on each slice of bread.

Step 6

Slice the tomato thinly and layer the slices on two of the ciabatta slices.

Step 7

Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, scoop out the flesh, and slice it thinly. Layer the avocado slices on top of the tomato.

Step 8

Distribute the baby spinach evenly over the avocado.

Step 9

Add strips of roasted red bell pepper on top of the spinach.

Step 10

Close the panini with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down.

Step 11

Preheat a grill pan or panini press over medium-high heat.

Step 12

Once hot, add the panini and grill for about 4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crisp and golden brown, and all ingredients are warmed through.

Step 13

Remove the panini from the heat, allow them to rest for a minute, then slice each in half and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(877.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2267.3

Total Fat 173.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2765.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 162.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.8g
Protein 38.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 134.6mg	0%
Iron 14.4mg	0%
Potassium 1866.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.0%

Protein: 6.6%

Carbs: 27.4%