I am a big fan of pesto. It makes just about everything taste better, the color is exquisite and the smell is heavenly! For most people my traditional homemade pesto with Parmesan recipe works great. But for those of you that live dairy free I wanted to offer this version: Dairy Free Basil Pesto (Whole30-Paleo-Keto-Vegan)!
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How Do We Keep The Flavor Without the Dairy?
When it comes to making pesto dairy free, there are two options: you can just skip the parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast. I think the second option is the way to go and here is why…
Flavor and Nutrition…
When living dairy free you can miss out on some creaminess and flavor. Nutritional yeast will make your pesto just as creamy and just as flavorful (if not more) than Parmesan. Nutritional yeast has a very nutty/cheesy flavor and is loaded with B vitamins, trace minerals, and all nine amino acids making it high in protein too!
Simple to Make:
Just pop basil leaves, garlic, sea salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, and olive oil in the food processor or blender and process until smooth.
Use It On…
…pasta obviously! Or my Whole 30 Roasted Pesto Baby Potatoes…
…or in my Italian Meatballs with Pesto Zuccini Noodles!
The Recipe: Dairy Free Basil Pesto! (Whole30-Paleo-Keto-Vegan)
Tips and what you need: I like to buy a small basil plant at the grocery store to make pesto because it saves money and you can keep using it. Plus the plant leaves are much fresher that cut leaves. You will need nutritional yeast, and a food processor or blender. (<—I love my Blendtec!)
A quick, easy, basil pesto recipe made without Parmesan cheese!
- 1 large clove garlic peeled
- 2 cups fresh organic basil leaves packed
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast optional but highly recommended
- Sea salt and pepper
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Place garlic in processor or blender and pulse until chopped. Add all other ingredients and process until almost smooth
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Toss with pasta, zoodles, roasted potatoes or use to top steak, chicken, or salmon
MAY I PLEASE ASK A FAVOR?
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This looks amazing! Perfect for pizza night!
As long as the pizza doesn’t have cheese;)
This pesto looks like pure perfection! I bet you don’t even notice that its dairy free.
Not at all!
Pesto is amazing, and it’s so great to have a version that works for so many different diets!
I love homemade pesto sauce! Looks so delicious and healthy!
Thanks Natalie!
This pesto looks so tasty and I bet the possibilities really are endless. I’m definitely going to have to try some of the recipes you suggested using it with!
I wondered what you were going to use instead of cheese! Of course, nutritional yeast!
Honestly, I like it better with nutritional yeast!
We love pesto! It makes the best pasta sauce or pizza topper!
Yes!
Pesto rocks! Especially pesto that’s dairy free that I can enjoy as well! This recipe makes me very happy!
It make me very happy too!
If I make this ahead in my food prep, how long will it keep in the fridge?
Hi Lynn, If you make it ahead pour a good layer of olive oil over the top, cover and place in fridge for up to three days:)
Thank you so much Linda! Looking forward to trying this recipe!
You are welcome!
Thank you so much! Looking forward to trying this recipe =)
My kids loved this recipe! Even my supremely picky child loved it. Made 6 batches so far. Definitely a keeper.
Thank you so much for letting me know! I am so glad you liked it.
macros please
Hi Shelly, Sorry I don’t have them. I know there are apps that figure it out for you if you really want to know.