Vegetarian and Vegan Pesto Recipes: Easy and Tasty Options

Pesto is one of the easiest things to make vegan! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a versatile and delicious dip or sauce. Whether you're using fresh basil, carrot tops, or a mix of herbs, pesto is perfect for enhancing a wide variety of dishes.

Ingredients for Easy Pesto Recipes

Ingredients vary slightly depending on your preference, but the base recipe generally includes:

2 cups packed fresh basil (or other herbs) 1/3 cup more or less organic extra-virgin cold pressed olive oil Lots of fresh garlic (about 6-8 cloves, depending on your taste) A pinch of salt A tiny bit of lemon juice (about 1-2 tablespoons) Nutritional yeast (optional, for that cheesy flavor) Pine nuts or walnuts (toasted for added flavor, but use walnuts if you find pine nuts too expensive)

Preparing the Pesto

Toast your walnuts slightly to enhance their flavor. Alternatively, you can experiment with other herbs such as rosemary or thyme to create unique variations. For a more adventurous option, you can mix 50/50 fresh basil and carrot tops for a sweet and savory twist.

Usage of Pesto in Your Dishes

Pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes:

Pizza: Spread it on your pizza and sprinkle with your favorite toppings. Pasta: Add it to your favorite pasta dish for a burst of flavor and color. Tofu or Tempeh Bowls: Mix some pesto into your salads, tofu, or tempeh to add a Mediterranean twist. Veggies: Spread pesto on vegetables for a delicious and easy side dish. Mixed into Hummus: Add pesto to your homemade hummus for a unique and tasty dip.

If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can even eat pesto straight from the spoon! Enjoy its creamy, herby, and slightly garlicky flavor. It all comes down to personal preference, so feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your taste.

Experimenting and Discovering New Flavors

The beauty of pesto lies in its simplicity and versatility. Feel free to add or subtract ingredients based on your preferences. If you don't like too much garlic, reduce the amount. If you want to change up the flavor profile, try adding fresh rosemary or thyme. The basic recipe is your foundation, and with experimentation, you're sure to find new and wonderful pesto variations that will elevate your meals to a whole new level.

Bon appetit!