Nut Free Vegan Basil Pea Pesto Recipe (5-Minute)

Nut Free Vegan Basil Pea Pesto Recipe (5-Minute)

Today we are making a Nut Free Vegan Basil Pea Pesto Recipe (5-Minute)! Welcome to a fresh and flavorful addition to your recipe repertoire! This vibrant pesto recipe is not only quick and easy—taking just 5 minutes to whip up—but it also packs a punch with bright, zesty flavors and a delightful creamy texture. By swapping out traditional nuts for toasted walnuts, we keep this pesto nut-free while still delivering a satisfying richness that pairs beautifully with pasta, sandwiches, and roasted veggies.

The star ingredient here is the humble green pea, which provides a sweet, slightly earthy base that complements the aromatic basil and savory garlic. The combination of green peas and fresh spinach adds a nutritious boost, making this pesto a wholesome choice for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. Nutritional yeast contributes a cheesy depth without the dairy, while the extra-virgin olive oil ensures a luscious, smooth consistency that coats your favorite dishes perfectly.

Perfect for busy weeknights or as a flavorful meal prep option, this pesto is versatile and easy to customize. With just a touch of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of pink salt, it’s bright, balanced, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on toast, or using it as a dip, this nut-free vegan basil pea pesto is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Nut Free Vegan Basil Pea Pesto

Nut-Free and Dairy-Free: This pesto is designed with dietary restrictions in mind, making it an inclusive choice for those with nut allergies or dairy sensitivities. Traditional pesto recipes often use pine nuts, but in this version, toasted walnuts provide a delightful richness without the allergens. Nutritional yeast takes the place of cheese, giving the pesto a creamy, cheesy flavor that’s completely dairy-free. This thoughtful approach ensures that everyone can enjoy a delicious pesto without compromising on taste or health.

Packed with Nutrients: Not only is this pesto delicious, but it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition. Green peas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K. Spinach adds an extra layer of health benefits with its high content of iron, calcium, and antioxidants. The combination of these ingredients makes this pesto a nutrient-dense addition to your meals. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, spreading it on toast, or using it as a dip, you’re not just adding flavor—you’re boosting the nutritional value of your dishes.

Substitutions

Peas: Do not substitute the green peas. I used a bag of frozen green peas, which I thawed out before using.

Pumpkin Seeds: Substitute sunflower seeds. For a recipe with nuts, you can use walnuts or pine nuts.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado oil instead.

Basil: Swap in spinach for all the basil, or a mix of spinach and parsley. Using all parsley might come off as too strong, but mixed in with spinach, or replacing just half the basil, would work better.

Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast often used as a seasoning or condiment. It comes in the form of yellow flakes or powder and has a savory, cheesy flavor, making it a popular ingredient in vegan and dairy-free cooking as a cheese substitute. You can find it in health food stores, in the health food / natural foods aisle of the grocery store, or online (Bob’s Red Mill brand is great).

Substitute with a vegan parmesan cheese, if preferred. Just taste test your parm to make sure it doesn’t have an after-taste that will end up making its flavor into the pesto.

Nut Free Vegan Basil Pea Pesto Recipe Notes

• If you prefer a smoother pesto, blend the ingredients longer until you reach your desired consistency. For a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture briefly. You can also adjust the amount of olive oil to make the pesto thicker or thinner, depending on your preference.

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If you make this 5-minute, nut free Vegan Basil Pea Pesto recipe, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!