Are you ready to revolutionize your culinary experience with a pesto that's not just delicious, but also incredibly nutritious? Our Spinach Walnut Dairy Free Pesto is about to become your new kitchen obsession! Imagine a vibrant, creamy sauce that packs a powerful punch of flavor while being completely dairy-free and loaded with wholesome ingredients. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie, a vegan enthusiast, or simply someone who loves mind-blowing taste combinations, this recipe will make your taste buds dance with excitement!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1/2 cup of walnuts, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, 1/2 cup of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Rinse the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Once cleaned, gently pat the spinach dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the walnuts for about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure they do not burn. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the pesto.
- While the walnuts are toasting, peel the 2 cloves of garlic and set them aside. You can adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- Once the walnuts are toasted, remove them from the skillet and let them cool for a few minutes.
- In a food processor, combine the fresh spinach, toasted walnuts, garlic cloves, and nutritional yeast. Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the 1/2 cup of olive oil. This will help emulsify the pesto and create a smooth consistency. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well blended.
- Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, taste the pesto and season it with salt and black pepper to your liking. Blend again briefly to incorporate the seasoning.
- If the pesto is too thick for your liking, you can add a little more olive oil or a splash of water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Transfer the Spinach Walnut Dairy Free Pesto to a clean jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
- Enjoy your delicious Spinach Walnut Dairy Free Pesto as a spread, dip, or sauce for pasta, salads, or sandwiches!
Tips
- Always use fresh spinach for the brightest color and most vibrant flavor. Avoid wilted or old leaves.
- Toasting the walnuts is crucial - it brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that elevates the entire pesto.
- If you want a smoother consistency, blend the ingredients longer. For a chunkier texture, pulse less frequently.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy, making this pesto both creamy and vegan-friendly.
- Store your pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness.
- For a quick meal prep, you can freeze the pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning and future use.
- Feel free to adjust the garlic quantity to suit your personal taste preferences.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
