Sugar-Free Vegan Pesto
Brighten up your plate with this vibrant and creamy Sugar-Free Vegan Pesto, a flavorful twist on the classic Italian sauce! Made with fresh basil leaves, raw cashews, and nutrient-rich nutritional yeast, this plant-based pesto delivers all the cheesy, garlicky goodness you love—without any dairy or added sugar. A splash of fresh lemon juice pairs perfectly with extra-virgin olive oil for a zesty, smooth finish, while a quick prep time of just 10 minutes means it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a veggie dip, this vegan pesto is a versatile, guilt-free addition to any meal. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it easy to enjoy long after basil season has passed!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoons (or to taste) Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Prepare your basil by rinsing and drying the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2
Place the raw cashews in a high-speed blender or food processor. Pulse until they are finely ground but not turning into a paste.
Step 3
Add the fresh basil leaves, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice to the blender or food processor with the ground cashews.
Step 4
Pulse the mixture a few times to combine the ingredients and break down the larger pieces.
Step 5
Drizzle in the olive oil and water while blending on low speed. Gradually increase the speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 6
Pause to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor as needed to ensure the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 7
Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste. Blend briefly to mix the seasoning evenly through the pesto.
Step 8
Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or container. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for up to one month.
Step 9
Serve over pasta, use it as a spread for sandwiches, or enjoy it as a dip for vegetables!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (268.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 937.5 |
| Total Fat 84.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 12.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1206.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 32.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 6.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.2g | |
| Protein 21.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 99.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 6.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 888.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories