Red Meat Allergy Friendly Vegan Basil Pesto with Lemon Zest
Bright, herby, and packed with garden-fresh flavor, this basil pesto comes together in minutes and tastes like something you'd find at a really good Italian trattoria. Toasting the pine nuts first is a small step that makes a big difference — it draws out a warm, buttery depth that elevates the whole sauce. Nutritional yeast steps in for traditional parmesan, delivering that savory, umami-rich quality without any dairy, and the lemon zest adds a citrusy lift that keeps every bite feeling fresh and vibrant. Since this recipe is entirely plant-based and built around whole, simple ingredients, there's no need to scrutinize labels for hidden animal proteins or worry about cross-contact with red meat products. The olive oil gets streamed in slowly for a silky, cohesive texture that clings beautifully to pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. Keep a jar of this in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it all week long.
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!