Pesto is an ingredient that I find myself returning to again and again when cooking vegan dishes. Its rich, herby flavor can be easily replicated dairy-free, opening up a world of possibilities for adding depth and excitement to plant-based meals. In this post, I’m excited to share 12 mouthwatering vegan recipes that showcase the versatility of pesto, from classic applications to innovative twists.
Pesto Spaghetti with Vegan Meatballs
Imagine a family-friendly pasta dish that’s both fun and satisfying. To achieve this, we’ll start by crafting tender chickpea-based vegan meatballs coated in an easy walnut and nutritional yeast pesto. This clever combination brings an explosion of herby flavors to the table. The key is to be patient when forming the meatballs, as the mixture requires time to bind together properly. Your reward will be meatballs that maintain their shape while cooking and burst with flavor.
When you twirl the pesto-coated meatballs around spaghetti for a cozy bowl of pasta, you’ll experience pure comfort. So why not give it a try?
Vegan Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich
As a child, nothing brought me more joy than biting into a warm, gooey grilled cheese sandwich. Years later, I’ve rediscovered that magic by transforming the classic with Follow Your Heart’s gouda-style vegan slices and a vibrant sun-dried tomato pesto spread. The harmony of creamy vegan cheese, zesty pesto, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes sandwiched between rustic sourdough bread is nothing short of indulgent.
To elevate this comfort food to new heights, I drizzle the finished product with a rich aged balsamic glaze, infusing each bite with a touch of sweetness. This show-stopping vegan grilled cheese is sure to transport you back to a simpler time and satisfy even the most ardent cravings for nostalgic noshing.
Pesto Zoodles
When I’m in the mood for a lightning-fast, meatless dinner that still packs a flavor punch, pesto zoodles are my tried-and-true solution. To whip up this tasty treat, simply transform raw zucchini into noodle-like strands using a spiralizer, then toss them with a generous helping of vegan pesto sauce. Voila! A satisfying meal in mere minutes.
But what really sets pesto zoodles apart is the way they effortlessly absorb the rich flavors of the pesto, making the zucchini itself taste almost indistinguishable from its pasta counterparts. Of course, you can always take it up a notch by adding some sliced cherry tomatoes, roasted chickpeas, or vegan chicken strips for an extra boost of protein and texture.
And for those with more discerning palates, pesto zoodles offer a genius way to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing taste – the pesto coating is the perfect disguise!
Vegan Pesto Pizza
As I embarked on my pursuit of the ultimate vegan pizza, I stumbled upon a winning formula that’s now my go-to combination. It starts with a delicate thin crust dough, which serves as the canvas for an array of mouthwatering ingredients. A generous helping of homemade pesto sauce adds a rich and herby flavor profile, while sliced tomatoes provide a burst of sweet freshness.
Toasted pine nuts bring a satisfying crunch and nutty undertones, complemented by vegan mozzarella-style shreds that melt into creamy goodness. To finish, I add a peppery flourish with baby arugula and drizzle on thick balsamic glaze after baking. The harmonious interplay of these elements – bright pesto, sweet tomatoes, nutty pine nuts, and tangy balsamic – yields an incredibly vibrant and flavorful pizza experience.
And let’s not forget the foundation: a soft dough with crispy, chewy edges that provides the perfect base for this culinary masterpiece.
Avocado Pesto Pasta
My go-to no-cook pasta sauce is a game-changer: avocado pesto. To make this creamy delight, simply combine Hass avocados, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a food processor until smooth and velvety. The result is a rich, green sauce that’s perfect for tossing with short pasta shapes like farfalle or penne. Add some halved cherry tomatoes on top for a burst of sweetness and color.
What’s more, this 15-minute pesto pasta satisfies your cravings without weighing you down – the avocado ensures it stays creamy without any dairy. And the best part? It’s ready in no time, making it perfect for busy days or quick weeknight meals.
Baked Vegan Pesto Pasta
When it comes to effortless summer entertaining, my trusty baked pasta dish is always a winner. As the pasta cooks, I take advantage of the opportunity to roast cherry tomatoes and zucchini to their sweetest, most caramelized state. This flavorful foundation sets the stage for the star of the show: a vibrant vegan pesto crafted from kale, cashews, and a hint of green. To add a touch of creaminess, I incorporate dairy-free mozzarella shreds or nutritional yeast – both yield impressive results.
With each bite, the pesto beautifully melds with the roasted vegetables and pasta, transforming them into an irresistible casserole. Serve warm or at room temperature, and be prepared for this gluten-free delight to vanish in no time!
Creamy Vegan Linguine with Pesto Breadcrumbs
Indulge in the luxury of a restaurant-quality meal at home with this mouthwatering linguine dish, perfect for date nights or a special treat. Begin by transforming panko breadcrumbs into crispy, herb-infused croutons by coating them in a zesty lemon-kale pesto and roasting until golden.
As the croutons reach perfection, cook a medley of vegetables – including squash, broccoli, chili peppers, capers, and alliums – in olive oil before simmering them in a rich white wine and vegan cream sauce, bolstered by the savory flavors of veggie stock and lemon. Combine the linguine with this creamy pesto-veggie sauce, then top generously with your crispy croutons for an explosion of flavor and texture in each bite.
Mediterranean Pesto Flatbread
Summer barbecues and gatherings just got a whole lot tastier with this delectable flatbread recipe. Combining the bold flavors of the Mediterranean – think pesto, tomatoes, and pepperoncini – yields an unforgettable culinary experience. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, even for weeknights. Simply use pre-made pizza dough as a base, slather on some creamy vegan pesto, add in sweet cherry tomatoes, pungent pepperoncini, and thinly sliced red onions for added crunch.
If you like a little heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top. After baking until crispy and golden, slice into squares and enjoy this vibrant, crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal.
The Ultimate Vegan Buddha Bowl
I’m obsessed with Buddha bowls as a quick and nourishing way to fuel up on busy days. The beauty of these meals lies in their simplicity: start with a grain, add some protein, roast some veggies for texture, toss in some sauce or dressing, and top it all off with crunchy goodies. In this particular bowl, I began with a quinoa-chickpea combination that provides a satisfying base. Next, I added roasted sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and crispy kale for a satisfying crunch.
But here’s where things get really exciting – instead of traditional tahini dressing, I opted for a creamy cashew pesto sauce infused with the umami flavors of miso, garlic, and nutritional yeast. The sauce brings everything together beautifully, adding a richness that elevates each bite. Finally, a sprinkle of cashew parmesan adds a delightful salty kick.
This bowl is not only easy to prepare but also surprisingly filling without leaving you feeling stuffed – it’s the perfect solution for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Tomato Chickpea Salad with Pesto Dressing
This revitalizing chickpea salad is a staple in my repertoire for healthy meals and outdoor gatherings. The key components are plump tomatoes, fresh spinach, snappy Persian cucumbers, and protein-rich chickpeas. What truly sets it apart is the delectable miso pesto dressing, which I create by blending white miso, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and parsley into a vibrant, flavorful condiment.
The rich creaminess of the miso eliminates the need for any dairy products, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. This versatile dressing can elevate any salad to new heights, serving as a delightful accompaniment or even a tasty dip or sandwich spread.
Vegan Pesto Pasta
There’s no better way to satisfy my pasta cravings than with a bowl of spaghetti smothered in homemade pesto. Over the years, I’ve perfected my weeknight recipe by combining cashews, miso, basil, olive oil, and garlic in my food processor. The result is a vegan pesto that boasts a richer, cheesier flavor profile compared to traditional pesto alla Genovese, thanks to the creamy cashews and savory miso.
To add some visual appeal and burst of flavor, I blanch cherry tomatoes and incorporate them into the dish. As the hot pasta absorbs the pesto, it creates an incredibly flavorful yet light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for both special occasions and busy weeknights. And best of all, it’s easy to whip up a batch in no time.
