A Fresh Twist on Classic Basil Pesto. Are you tired of the same old basil pesto recipes? This creamy vegan basil pesto sauce adds a fresh and creamy twist to the classic basil pesto. Made with wholesome ingredients like fresh basil leaves, cashews, and extra-virgin olive oil, this sauce is not only delicious, but also healthy.
About Creamy Vegan Basil Pesto Sauce
Perfect for Vegan and Plant-Based Diets
This recipe is entirely vegan and plant-based, making it a great option for those following a vegan or plant-based diet. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy sauce that is free from animal products.
Quick and Easy to Make
Making this sauce is quick and easy, requiring just a few minutes and a food processor. With this recipe, you’ll have a fresh and flavorful sauce in no time, ready to be used as a topping for pasta, pizza, or salad, or as a spread for sandwiches or crackers.
Long-Lasting and Versatile
Not only is this sauce quick and easy to make, but it’s also long-lasting and versatile. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for later use, so you can enjoy it anytime you want. With its delicious and creamy texture, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and flavorful
This creamy vegan basil pesto sauce is made with fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, and other wholesome ingredients, making it a flavorful and healthy addition to any dish. - Vegan and plant-based
This recipe is entirely vegan and plant-based, making it a great option for those following a vegan diet. - Quick and easy to make
With just a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you can make this sauce in just a few minutes. - Versatile
This sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta, pizza, salad, sandwiches, and crackers, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. - Healthy
This sauce is made with wholesome ingredients like fresh basil leaves, cashews, and extra-virgin olive oil, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought sauces that may contain added sugars and preservatives. - Long-lasting
This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for later use, so you can enjoy it anytime you want.
Recipe Card
Creamy Vegan Basil Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup raw unsalted cashews
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ½ lemon juiced
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped.
- Gradually pour in the olive oil while the food processor is running, until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Summary: "This delicious, creamy vegan basil pesto sauce is the perfect addition to your pasta, pizza, or salad for a burst of fresh flavor."
- Course: Sauce Cuisine: Italian Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes Servings: 4 Calories: 250 per serving Keywords: vegan, plant-based, basil pesto, creamy.
Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Vegan Basil Pesto Sauce
- Use fresh basil
For the best flavor, be sure to use fresh basil leaves in this recipe. Avoid using dried basil, as it will not have the same flavor and aroma as fresh basil. - Soak the cashews
Soaking the cashews for a few hours or overnight will make them easier to blend and create a creamier texture for the sauce. - Adjust the consistency
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cashews or olive oil. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more water or lemon juice. - Adjust the seasoning
Taste the sauce after blending and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste. - Store in an airtight container
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for later use. This will help to preserve the flavor and freshness of the sauce. - Experiment with variations
Feel free to experiment with variations of this recipe by adding ingredients like garlic, pine nuts, or Parmesan cheese. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs About the Creamy Vegan Basil Pesto Sauce Recipe
- Can I use different nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, you can use different nuts such as almonds or walnuts in place of cashews for this recipe. Keep in mind that this may change the flavor and texture of the sauce. - Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make this sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for later use. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. - Is this recipe oil-free?
No, this recipe uses olive oil, but you can use a different oil or a non-oil substitute if desired. - Can I use frozen basil instead of fresh basil?
While using fresh basil is recommended, you can use frozen basil in a pinch. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different. - Can I use this sauce on other dishes besides pasta?
Yes, this sauce is versatile and can be used on a variety of dishes such as sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, or as a dipping sauce. Get creative and try it on different dishes to find your favorite!