10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (2024)

If you know me, you’ll know I’m all about the greens.

I could write a book about the benefits of leafy greens, but all I’ll say now is that if you start adding 1-2 pounds (500g to 1kg) of leafy greens to your diet every day, you’ll see your life change for the better.

Benefits include fast weight loss due to the abundance of thylakoids which suppress the appetite.

The high amounts of magnesium in the leafy greens will help you sleep well, calm your anxiety and reduce your stress.

** Please note that this post may contain affiliate links which means that I can receive a small payment if you make a purchase through my links.

The plant based calcium will protect your bones, giving you stronger teeth and nails, and won’t strip your body of nutrients like dairy does.

This is just the tip of the iceberg (lettuce!) in terms of the benefits leafy greens can bring to your health.

So why aren’t we all including more leafy greens in our diets?

Most people would tell you that they just don’t like the taste of texture or munching through mounds of leafy greens every day.

So how do we get in more leafy greens in our diet without spending all day chewing?

  1. Make a Green Thickie for breakfast and lunch
  2. Take a green powder or green juice
  3. Make a pesto for your dinner and add it to a salad or zucchini/courgette noodles for even more veggie nutrient power.

You can find links to my Green Thickies and recommended green powder above, but in this post we’re focusing on pesto.

Here are 10 of my favourite raw vegan pesto recipes. Just add one of these recipes to your diet every day for a week and really notice the difference.

Enjoy!

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes

1) Easy Vegan Pesto (5 Minutes!)

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (2)

The easiest vegan pesto in 5 minutes! Cheesy and flavorful despite being dairy-free, plus an option for lower oil/fat. It’s the perfect plant-based spread for Italian dishes and more!

~Dana, MINIMALIST BAKER

2) Avocado Pesto Sauce (Nut-free, Vegan)

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (4)

Free of nuts, dairy and oils, this pesto sauce can be enjoyed quite liberally over your favorite noodles and veggies.A ripe avocado lends its smooth and creamy texture to this rich sauce, and is complimented with fresh basil, garlic and lemon juice.

~Megan, DETOXINISTA

3) Vegan And Oil Free Pesto With Basil And Avocado

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (5)

This simple recipe for oil free pesto is totally vegan and features basil, cashew nuts and avocado. It’s a super simple, staple dinner that’s whipped up in no time!

~Lauren, LAUREN CARIS COOKS

4) Vegan Avocado Pesto (Raw Glutenfree)

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (6)

Easy creamy Vegan Avocado Pesto recipe. Enjoy it with Italian pasta, spread it on bread, veggies, burgers and make your simple vegan gluten free dinner!

~Fran, BEAUTY FOOD BLOG

5) Raw Vegan Pesto With Zucchini

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (7)Italian pesto is traditionally made with lots of parmesan cheese. This new pesto recipe tastes like the Italian version everyone loves, but it’s vegan and Paleo-friendly!

~Dawn, SMALL FOOTPRINT FAMILY

6) Creamy Avocado Basil Pesto

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (8)

Avocados are the best for acreamy pasta sauce – nothing compares to it! Whip up this avocado basil pesto and toss your favorite noodles in.

~Amanda, RAWMANDA

7) Vegan Walnut Pesto

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (10)

Using walnuts in place of pine nuts makes this pesto more accessible and slightly more affordable without losing any flavor. Walnuts are widely used in Italy and favored for their rich yet delicate flavors.

~Rika & Doni, VEGAN MIAM

8) Raw Vegan Pesto

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (11)

This raw vegan pesto really is one of those dishes that not only tastes good, but is super good for you too.

~Nikkie, EATING VIBRANTLY

9) Everyday Vegan Pesto

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (12)

All you need to make your pesto is a food processor. You simply add everything in, blend it up, then drizzle in your olive oil. It seriously couldn’t be easier.

~Alyssa, SIMPLY QUINOA

10) Easy Vegan Kale & Cashew Pesto

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (13)

Classic pesto gets a delicious vegan makeover in this recipe and becomes even healthier with the addition of kale leaves. Spread it on sandwiches, add to soups and pastas – the choice is yours!

~Alina, VEGAN RUNNER EATS

After my 10 months on a raw food diet and throwing an epic raw food party for a big crowd, I released my own raw food recipe book for parties. You can get that at a discount by clicking here.

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (14)

If you’re looking for more healthy, calorie counted delicious meals that take minutes to whip up and guarantee you’ll drop the pounds, look no further than The Leaf System.

If you join this month you’ll get a whole month of Leaf System meals completely FREE. Can’t say fairer than that!

Grab your freebies by clicking here.

Which of these pesto recipes appeals to you the most? Let me know in the comments down below…

Are you struggling to lose weight and keep it off?

Are you feeling run down and are struggling with ever increasing health problems?

Green Thickies new 7 Day Detox will help you drop a dress size, improve your skin, your energy will soar and you are going to be so in control and proud of yourself.

You won't go hungry on this diet ... And better yet - it actually requires minimal time in the kitchen.

Get results like this...

Hi Katherine,

I just wanted to tell you I completed the 7 day detox and I feel so great.

I have lost 6lbs, do not feel like I need more my morning coffee, the flushing of my facial skin from rosacea has dramatically reduced and I am so excited to wake up each morning and make a green thickie for breakfast!!

I am a stay at-home, homeschooling momma of 3 littles and at times so busy I would forget to feed myself!

I would go most of the day without eating and then snack on random things.

I gained 60 pounds the last 6 years during pregnancy.

I have lost 30lbs but recently plateaued and have felt so frustrated.

I’ve tried everything from paleo and keto to the point where I didn’t know what to eat or how much and felt like even eating fruit was bad for me which thankfully it’s not!

What a game changer for me. Thank you for sharing a simple but effective program.

I’m so excited to continue another week with this plan!ThankfulStephanie

Use this special voucher to get $10 off: WEBSITE (Add discount code WEBSITE at the checkout)

Click here to get started
  • Author
  • Recent Posts

Katherine Kyle @ Green Thickies

Founder at Green Thickies

Katherine lost 56 pounds and recovered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Green Thickies.
Read Katherine's inspiring comeback story, From Fat and Fatigued To Lean and Loving Life In 4 Months.
Send Katherine a message on Instagram, Facebook, or email here.

Latest posts by Katherine Kyle @ Green Thickies (see all)

  • How To Use Bananas For Sleep (Bedtime Banana Elixir Recipe) - January 14, 2022
  • Why You Can’t Eat Your 5 A Day (And The EASY SOLUTION) - November 29, 2021
  • 10 Second Banana Ice Cream Recipe (Using Only Bananas) - November 1, 2020

10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (19)

FreeLEAN GREEN SMOOTHIE CHALLENGE

Are You Ready To...

  • Drop up to a dress size in 7 days with delicious, quick and filling green smoothies
  • Kickstart your weight loss with this easy, natural, 7 day cleanse
  • Get my full 7 day calorie counted meal plan, recipes and shopping list provided FREE
10 Best Raw Vegan Pesto Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How long does vegan pesto last in the fridge? ›

How long does vegan pesto last? Fresh pesto will store well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Keep a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the top of the pesto so it doesn't brown.

Can you have pesto raw? ›

Yes, pesto can be used straight from the jar and doesn't require cooking or heating. In fact, we actively discourage applying too much heat to pesto, as this will destroy many of the fresh flavours that producers work so hard to retain.

Why does my homemade pesto taste bad? ›

The most common reason for pesto tasting bitter is that the olive oil is past its best and has started to turn rancid. If the pesto has been made in a food processor or blender, there's also the possibility that it has turned bitter from the crude, sheering action of the blades.

How long will homemade pesto last? ›

FAQ: How Long Does Homemade Pesto Last? You can store this basil pesto in a jar or sealable container, then tightly seal and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2–3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Can you eat 2 week old pesto? ›

If you've already opened it, you can keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze pesto for up to three months. How long does tomato pesto last in the fridge? Tomato pesto can last in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days when stored properly.

How to tell if pesto has gone bad? ›

If your pesto has turned brown instead of green, that's another clear sign that it's rancid. And there's always the smell test: it will have a strong sour smell once it turns. But as always, it's better to err on the side of caution and throw the pesto out if you've got any doubts.

Why shouldn't you heat pesto? ›

The primary ingredients in pesto — basil and olive oil — are sensitive to heat. Basil can lose its vibrant color and fresh flavor when exposed to high temperatures, turning it a darker, more muted green. Olive oil can also lose some of its health benefits and can develop a bitter taste when heated excessively.

What nuts are best for pesto? ›

Pistachios, almonds, and walnuts or even seeds like sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin can replace the traditional pine nuts in pesto. Pretty much any edible nut tastes delicious—just make sure to toast and cool the nut before grinding them into the sauce.

What pasta is best for pesto? ›

Pesto Sauce

This fresh and fragrant pasta sauce is served uncooked, so choose a pasta shape that won't overwhelm it. Similar to oil-based sauces, pesto is served best with longer cuts of pasta, like the corkscrew shape of Fusilli. Pesto works best with Bucatini, Capellini, thinner Spaghettini, and Fettuccine.

Why do I feel weird after eating pesto? ›

If, after savoring pesto, you encounter symptoms such as itching in the mouth, hives, digestive distress, or even severe reactions like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis, it's plausible that an allergy is present.

What makes pesto unhealthy? ›

Because it's made with olive oil, nuts, and cheese, classic pesto can contribute a fair amount of fat and calories to your diet. A 1/4-cup (63-gram) serving provides ( 1 ): Calories: 263. Protein: 6 grams.

What cuts bitterness in pesto? ›

Acid in the form of vinegar or citrus juices can make a pesto taste less bitter and could even enhance the flavour of the sauce at the same time. In low concentrations, salt can be used to suppress bitterness, which is why people have been adding tiny amounts to coffee for decades. Always go easy to start with.

What is a good substitute for pine nuts in pesto? ›

Walnuts are a perfect substitute for pine nuts in pesto because walnuts blend up perfectly. They have a similar fat content as pine nuts, so they blend to a creamy consistency. Homemade pesto only needs a few simple ingredients, so every ingredient is important here.

Can I freeze fresh pesto? ›

You can freeze in small pint-size jars or for single servings for making soups or dressing freeze in ice cube trays. Small ice cube trays work well for small batches of soups or if you tend to need more pesto, freeze in big ice cube trays. Pour the pesto into trays and cover with freezer wrap and place in the freezer.

Why is my homemade pesto turning brown? ›

Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are made up of many different molecules, including enzymes, which are responsible for speeding up the rate of chemical reactions. This includes enzymatic browning, a term used to describe what happens when phenolic compounds encounter oxygen.

Can you eat pesto after 7 days? ›

Store-bought pesto sauce comes in two main types: refrigerated and shelf-stable. Pesto found in the refrigerator section of the store is meant to be kept cold and should be consumed within 1-2 weeks of opening.

How long will pesto stay green? ›

The texture and color are wonderful, and the pesto will keep for several days in the refrigerator (but it's best to wait until you're ready to use the pesto before adding the garlic and cheese).

How long can pesto pasta last in the fridge? ›

TO STORE: Refrigerate pesto pasta in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. TO FREEZE: Freeze pasta in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.

Does pesto turn brown in fridge? ›

If, on the other hand, the jar has been opened and left in a fridge for a day or two, it's most likely that the change in colour is simply a result of oxidation.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6731

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.