Vegan Classic Pesto Dressing
Brighten up your meals with this irresistible Vegan Classic Pesto Dressing, a dairy-free twist on the beloved Italian staple! Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil leaves, zesty lemon juice, and creamy raw cashews, this recipe delivers all the herby goodness of traditional pesto without any cheese. Nutritional yeast adds a subtle cheesy note, while extra-virgin olive oil ensures a silky-smooth texture perfect for drizzling or tossing. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this versatile vegan dressing effortlessly transforms salads, pastas, grain bowls, and more. Store it in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week as a quick, flavorful upgrade to your favorite dishes. Whether you’re vegan or simply looking for a healthier pesto option, this recipe is guaranteed to become a kitchen favorite!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups raw cashews
- 0.5 cups extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cups nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 cups water
Directions
Step 1
1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Wash and dry the basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2
2. Place the fresh basil leaves, raw cashews, and garlic cloves into a food processor.
Step 3
3. Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the processor.
Step 4
4. Pulse the mixture a few times to break down the ingredients and create a rough texture.
Step 5
5. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 6
6. Add water to the mixture to achieve your desired dressing consistency, blending until incorporated.
Step 7
7. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your taste preference.
Step 8
8. Transfer the vegan pesto dressing to a jar or an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Step 9
9. Use the dressing immediately or allow it to sit in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors meld together before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (310.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1409.2 |
| Total Fat 144.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 20.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1196.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 25.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 4.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.2g | |
| Protein 14.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 89.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 5.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 644.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories