Oil & Dairy-Free Basil Pesto

A classic adaptation of the original to fit any and all diets.

IB_OilFreePesto

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (115 g) packed fresh basil leaves
  • 3 medium garlic cloves, peeled
  • ¼ cup (35 g) pine nuts, toasted
  • ¼ cup (35 g) sunflower seeds
  • 1 Tablespoon peeled
  • 1 cup (175 g) grape tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon salt, optional

Directions

  1. Place ingredients into an appropriately sized container in the order listed. Place the immersion blender on top of the ingredients, pressing down slightly.
  2. Start the blender on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to its highest speed. Move the immersion blender around, including up and down, to blend the ingredients for approximately 60 seconds or until desired consistency is achieved.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (115 g) packed fresh basil leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled
  • ¼ cup (35 g) pine nuts, toasted
  • ¼ cup (35 g) sunflower seeds
  • 1 lemon, peeled
  • ½ teaspoon salt, optional

Directions

  1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid. 
  2. Start the blender on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to its highest speed, blending for 25-30 seconds, using the tamper to press ingredients toward the blades. 

Chef's Notes

  • For an additional boost of flavor, try adding 1 tbsp. of miso paste or 2 tbsp. of nutritional yeast to the container before blending.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups (115 g) packed fresh basil leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled
  • ¼ cup (35 g) pine nuts, toasted
  • ¼ cup (35 g) sunflower seeds
  • 1 lemon, peeled
  • ½ teaspoon salt, optional

Directions

  1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid. 
  2. Start the blender on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to its highest speed, blending for 25-30 seconds, using the tamper to press ingredients toward the blades. 

Chef's Notes

  • For an additional boost of flavor, try adding 1 tbsp. of miso paste or 2 tbsp. of nutritional yeast to the container before blending.