Vegan Basil Sunflower Seed Pesto (Without Pine Nuts) Recipe

Introduction

This Vegan Basil Sunflower Seed Pesto is a fresh, nut-free twist on the classic. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make, perfect for those avoiding pine nuts or nuts altogether.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of basil
• ½ cup of raw sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of sugar
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides for even blending.
2. Step 2: Use immediately by tossing with warm pasta, spreading on toast or pizza, or serving as a flavorful dip.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the sunflower seeds lightly before processing to add a deeper, nuttier flavor.

Storage

Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To help preserve its vibrant color, pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing. Reheat gently or enjoy cold as a spread or dip.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other seeds instead of sunflower seeds?

Yes, pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds can be good alternatives if you want a different flavor or texture, but sunflower seeds are milder and work best for this recipe.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, savory flavor that complements the pesto, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute with a vegan parmesan alternative.

Vegan Basil Sunflower Seed Pesto (Without Pine Nuts) Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 99 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately ¾ cup pesto (enough for 4 servings) 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and creamy vegan basil pesto made without pine nuts, using raw sunflower seeds instead. This gluten-free, dairy-free pesto is packed with fresh basil, garlic, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor alternative. Perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on toast or pizza, or using as a flavorful dip.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegan Basil Sunflower Seed Pesto Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup raw sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3–4 cloves garlic
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice

---

Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients: Gather fresh basil leaves, raw sunflower seeds, garlic cloves, and other ingredients to ensure everything is fresh and ready to blend.
2. Combine in food processor: Place the basil, sunflower seeds, olive oil, garlic, salt, sugar, black pepper, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice into a food processor. This equipment breaks down the ingredients evenly for a smooth texture.
3. Process until creamy: Blend the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully combined and creamy in consistency.
4. Serve or store: Use immediately by tossing with warm pasta, spreading on bread or pizza, or using as a dip. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

• You can toast the sunflower seeds lightly before blending for a nuttier flavor.
• Adjust garlic quantity based on your taste preference for pungency.
• If the pesto is too thick, add a little more olive oil or a splash of water to reach desired consistency.
• This pesto freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before use.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Vegan pesto, basil pesto without pine nuts, sunflower seed pesto, dairy-free pesto, vegan sauce, gluten-free pesto, quick pesto recipe