High Fructose Corn Syrup Free Vegan Basil Pesto with Lemon Zest
Bright, herby, and packed with fresh flavor, this vegan basil pesto is the kind of sauce that makes everything it touches taste better. Toasted pine nuts bring a warm, nutty depth, while lemon zest and fresh lemon juice cut through the richness with just the right amount of brightness. Nutritional yeast steps in for the traditional parmesan, delivering that savory, umami punch without any dairy. Every single ingredient here is whole and recognizable — no syrups, no sweeteners, no processed fillers — so you get a clean, vibrant condiment you can feel genuinely good about. Store-bought pesto can be a minefield of unexpected additives, but blending this yourself in a food processor takes only minutes and puts you completely in control. Drizzle it over pasta, spread it on toast, or swirl it into soups — the uses are practically endless and the flavor is absolutely worth it.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- ⅓ cup pine nuts
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp water, as needed
Instructions
- 1
Toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer immediately to a plate and let cool for 2 minutes.
- 2
Combine the toasted pine nuts, basil, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and the ingredients are evenly broken down.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!