Heart-Healthy Vegan Pesto
Brighten up your meals with this Heart-Healthy Vegan Pesto, a vibrant and creamy twist on the classic sauce that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Packed with fresh basil leaves and baby spinach, this recipe is elevated by the richness of soaked raw cashews, creating a dairy-free base that’s both smooth and indulgent. Nutritional yeast lends a cheesy, umami depth, while a splash of lemon juice adds the perfect zesty balance. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this vegan pesto is a versatile addition to your culinary toolkit—drizzle it over pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dip for veggies. With wholesome, plant-based ingredients and zero oil, this pesto is the ultimate heart-healthy condiment that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Baby spinach
- 1 cup Raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 cups Vegetable broth or water
Directions
Step 1
Start by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for 15–20 minutes or until softened. Alternatively, you can soak them in cold water overnight.
Step 2
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews thoroughly.
Step 3
In a food processor or blender, add the fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and salt.
Step 4
Blend the ingredients while slowly adding the vegetable broth or water a little at a time. This will ensure you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5
Stop to scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 6
Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice, if desired.
Step 7
Use immediately as a sauce, dip, or topping, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 288 grams (288.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 727 |
| Total Fat 49.60g | 64% |
| Saturated Fat 8.80g | 44% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1466mg | 64% |
| Total Carbohydrate 49.80g | 18% |
| Dietary Fiber 9.00g | 32% |
| Total Sugars 7.90g | |
| Protein 32.40g | 65% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 134mg | 10% |
| Iron 11mg | 62% |
| Potassium 1281mg | 27% |
Source of Calories