Description
A quick and easy dairy-free pistachio pesto recipe that combines fresh basil, roasted pistachios, and lime juice for a vibrant and flavorful sauce. Perfect for adding a nutty twist to pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, this pesto is emulsified with olive oil for a luscious texture without any dairy.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 80 g fresh basil leaves (washed and dried)
- 100 g unsalted roasted pistachios
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked, to taste)
- 80 ml extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for storage)
Instructions
- Prepare: Remove any long stems from the basil leaves and wash and dry them well to ensure freshness and prevent excess moisture in the pesto.
- Blend: Add the basil leaves, pistachios, lime juice, garlic, nutritional yeast, sea salt, and black pepper to a food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse the mixture until it breaks down into a chunky paste, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula for even blending.
- Add oil: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to blend until the mixture emulsifies. The pesto should have a uniform texture but retain some small pieces for a slightly chunky consistency.
- Store: Transfer the pesto to a clean, sealed jar or airtight container. Before sealing, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the pesto to prevent air exposure and preserve freshness. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to one week.
Notes
- Use unsalted roasted pistachios to control the salt level in the pesto.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness, but lemon juice can be used as an alternative.
- Nutritional yeast is optional and adds a cheesy flavor suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Store the pesto with a layer of olive oil on top to keep it from oxidizing and turning brown.
- This pesto is best enjoyed within one week of preparation for optimal flavor and freshness.
