Seed Oil Free Vegan Basil Pesto with Lemon Zest
Bright, herby, and packed with fresh basil flavor, this pesto brings serious restaurant-quality results with nothing more than a food processor and a handful of wholesome ingredients. The secret weapon here is a generous hit of lemon zest alongside fresh lemon juice, which lifts the whole sauce and keeps it tasting vibrant rather than heavy. Nutritional yeast steps in for parmesan, delivering that savory, slightly nutty depth that makes pesto so craveable — no dairy required. Extra-virgin olive oil is the only fat in the mix, which means you're completely clear of the refined seed oils that sneak into so many store-bought pesto jars. Toasting the pine nuts first is a small step that pays off big, coaxing out a warm, buttery richness that makes the finished sauce taste far more complex than the ingredient list suggests. Toss it with pasta, spread it on crusty bread, or swirl it into soups — this pesto is endlessly versatile and comes together in minutes.
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!