Artificial Flavors Free Vegan Walnut Pesto
Bright, herby, and deeply savory, this walnut pesto is the kind of sauce that makes you want to put it on absolutely everything. Toasting the walnuts first is the move — it draws out their natural richness and gives the finished pesto a warm, nutty depth that raw nuts just can't match. Nutritional yeast steps in for parmesan, delivering that umami punch without any dairy, while fresh lemon juice keeps the whole thing lively and balanced. Every single ingredient here is whole and recognizable, so you never have to squint at a label wondering what "natural flavoring" actually means. A slow stream of good olive oil ties it all together into a thick, spoonable sauce with just enough texture to feel rustic and satisfying. Toss it with pasta, swirl it into soup, spread it on toast, or use it as a dip — this one earns its place in your regular rotation fast.
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
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Add the walnuts to a small dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a plate and let cool for 2 minutes.
- 2
Combine the toasted walnuts, basil, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and roughly uniform.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!