This vegan pesto is easy to make, goes on just about anything you can think of, and tastes amazing but the best part is that this pesto is oil-free and protein-packed. Since this recipe does not use any cheese like a typical pesto would have, you are saving yourself from high levels of sodium and saturated fat. With only 5 ingredients, this pesto will become a house staple you will be making every week.
Details of The Recipe
- Basil is a common herb used as a digestive aid and treatment for headaches. Not only that but basil can also help sharpen memory, combat colds, and the flu, and helps provide antibacterial properties.
- Hemp Seeds are high in protein, low in calories, and a good source of magnesium and zinc for a healthy immune system. Hemp seeds also contain omega 3’s and contain 20 amino acids.
- Garlic, especially raw as in this recipe is one of the best things you could do for a common cold. Garlic is antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal.
- Lemon juice is also going to boost your immune system and aid in digestion.
- Nutritional yeast has health benefits other than providing the ‘cheesy’ flavor to this recipe. It improves immunity, and digestion, and can even help fight cancer.
Did you catch on to the trend there?
Every ingredient used is helping build a strong immune system and assists our digestive system.
Time to get mixing!
Oil-Free Hemp Seed Pesto
This vegan pesto is easy to make, goes on just about anything you can think of, and tastes amazing but the best part is that this pesto is oil-free and protein-packed.
Equipment
- Food processor a blender will work too
Ingredients
- 4 cups loosely packed basil
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds (hemp hearts)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (about one lemon juiced)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 garlic cloves
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender.
- Mix well until everything is combined.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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I love pesto so much! I can’t wait to try this!!!!
Thanks, Ali! This one is so simple and tasty! Enjoy it!!
How long do you think this would last in Tupperware in the fridge? I’m definitely going to make this- it’s the simplest vegan pesto recipe I’ve come across and sounds fantastic 🙂
Hi Lindsay, thanks for the question. At least a week but 2 weeks might be pushing it 🙂 Let me know what you think. Enjoy!
Can’t wait to try this!! Can I use ground hemp in place of the help hearts (are they the same things?)
Thanks!! Now I’m looking for your granola recipe! ❤️ Thank you for sharing
Thanks, Kristi! I can’t wait to hear what you think. I assume you are meaning hemp powder as in protein powder? It will have a really different consistency and possibly different taste if you use powder. Hemp seeds are also called hemp hearts and look like little balls almost. You can find them in most grocery stores… they are becoming very popular. If you can’t find them in your local store, search Amazon. If you type in Hemp seeds, they will immediately pop up. Lastly, if you can’t find them I will send you some because they are so good for you 🙂
Good luck!
Hi! Love this recipe! I have an abundance of basil in my garden, do you think this would freeze well? I like the idea of thawing and using it in February 😁
Thank you, Karen! I am so happy to hear that you are enjoying it. I have not tried freezing it but it is for sure worth a try. I have a feeling that freezing it will work out great.
This recipes sounds great. You are a sweet person to offer Kristi hemp seeds if she has a hard time finding them. Do you think you can add avocado to this recipe? I Just adore avocados… I will try this recipe since my son loves pesto but Im trying to reduce oil in my cooking. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Thank you, Francine. I appreciate this comment. Adding 1/2 of a small avocado might work out ok and will boost the nutrients even more. Start with the 1/2 avocado and see how it turns out and you will know by the consistency if you can add in the other half. Let me know how it turns out!
Hey Leah!
Have you ever made this with whole hemp seeds or just the hemp hearts? Any difference?
Hi! I have only made it with the hemp hearts but I feel like it would turn out the same? Actually, I am pretty positive it would. Now you will have to give it a try for me and see 🙂