Walnut Free Vegan Basil Pesto with Lemon Zest
Bright, herby, and packed with fresh flavor, this vegan basil pesto comes together in a food processor with just a handful of clean, simple ingredients. Toasted pine nuts bring a buttery richness that makes the sauce feel indulgent without any dairy, while nutritional yeast steps in to deliver that savory, cheesy depth you'd expect from a classic pesto. The lemon zest and fresh lemon juice are the real secret weapons here — they lift the whole sauce and keep the basil tasting vibrant rather than flat. So many store-bought pestos and even homemade versions rely on walnuts as a filler nut, which can make finding a safe option genuinely frustrating. This recipe skips them entirely, leaning on pine nuts for a silkier, more traditional texture that doesn't compromise on richness. A slow stream of good olive oil ties everything together into a thick, spoonable sauce that clings beautifully to pasta, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. Make a batch, stash it in the fridge, and you'll find yourself reaching for it all week.
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!