Hazelnut Free Vegan Walnut Pesto
Pesto lovers, this one is going to earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Toasted walnuts bring a deep, earthy richness that makes this sauce feel indulgent and complex, while fresh basil keeps it bright and herbaceous. Nutritional yeast steps in for the parmesan, delivering that savory, umami depth without any dairy — and honestly, it works beautifully. A squeeze of lemon juice lifts the whole thing and keeps the flavors from feeling heavy. Many store-bought pestos rely on pine nuts or mixed nut blends that can be a minefield for anyone avoiding specific tree nuts, so making it yourself with a single, clearly labeled nut gives you full control over what goes in the bowl. The food processor does most of the work, and streaming in the olive oil at the end gives you that luscious, spoonable consistency that clings perfectly to pasta, flatbreads, or roasted vegetables. It's the kind of sauce that makes a simple weeknight dinner feel like something you actually planned.
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!