Vibrant Lemon Pesto

The Plant Fueled Family

Vibrant Lemon Pesto

The bright colors and flavors in this pesto will bring any dish to life. Super to easy to make and freezes well…what’s not to love? **See recipe notes for nut-free option**
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 44 2 Tbs servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 111
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz* basil 16oz by weight
  • 2 cups olive oil
  • 1/2 cup whole garlic cloves
  • 4 lemons, juice and zest reserved can also sub 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup walnuts*
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbs sea salt

Method
 

  1. Add 2 cups of olive oil and garlic cloves to medium sauce pan and bring to a simmer, careful not burn the garlic (if this happens you will need to start over). 
  2. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes then turn stove off and remove from heat, cooling for about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Rinse and dry your basil.
  4. Zest your lemons (if desired).
  5. Juice your lemons.
  6. Add the olive oil/garlic and rest of ingredients (EXCEPT the basil and walnuts) to your blender or food processor and process on medium for about 30 seconds.
  7. Gradually add the basil, 1 handful at a time, until it has all been blended into the mixture (*you will think it is too much basil, but if you add it gradually it’s the right amount! :0)
  8. Add walnuts at the end and pulse together until small pieces are achieved, but not until smooth

Notes

*sub walnuts with sunflower seeds or pepitas for nut free option 
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