50 Healthy Vegan Recipes with Pesto • Happy Kitchen (2024)

Table of Contents

Is Pesto Vegan Friendly? Is Pesto Healthy? What Goes Well with Pesto? Vegan Pesto Pasta Recipes Vegan Pesto Pasta with Beans and Sun-Dried Tomatoes by Happy Kitchen.Rocks Cheesy Pesto Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta Sauce by Rainbow Nourishments Creamy Thai Pesto Linguine by Choosing Chia Vegan Pizza Pasta Bake by Rainbow Nourishments Creamy Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Burst Tomatoes by The Endless Meal More Vegan Pesto Pasta Recipes: Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipes Vegan Naan Pizza with Pesto and Sweet Potato by Shivani Loves Food Vegan Pesto Pizza with Balsamic Glaze by This Savory Vegan Chickpea Crust Pizza With Walnut Pesto by Choosing Chia More Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipes: Vegan Pesto Salad Recipes Oil-free Pesto Tomato Chickpea Salad by Vegan Yack Attack Easy Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad by Thyme & Love Festive Pesto Pasta Salad by Rainbow Nourishments More Vegan Pesto Salad Recipes: Vegan Pesto Sandwich and Wrap Recipes Vegan Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Carrots & Flowers Grilled Summer Vegetable Sandwiches with Pesto by Kitchen Treaty Collard Greens Pesto Chickpea Salad Sandwiches by Yup.. it’s vegan! More Vegan Pesto Sandwich Recipes: Vegan Pesto Dinner Recipes Sweet Potato Beet Buddha Bowl with Pistachio Pesto by Plant Based Scotty Instant Pot Minestrone Soup by Yummy Mummy Kitchen Roasted Baby Potatoes with Pesto by The Organic Kitchen More Vegan Pesto Dinner Recipes: Other Vegan Pesto Recipes Roasted Beet Hummus with Basil Pesto by Downshiftology Creamy Cauliflower Pesto Dip by Vegan Yack Attack Vegan Tomato Tartlets with Spinach Pesto by Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen FAQs References

50 delicious and healthy vegan recipes with pesto, including pasta, pizza, salad, soup, sandwiches, wraps, casseroles, bowls, bread and so much more! These unique pesto recipes will surely impress vegan, vegetarian and carnivore pesto lovers! Lots of gluten-free, kid-friendly and allergy-friendly options!

Who doesn’t love pesto with pasta? But did you know you can use it for salads, pizza, soups, sandwiches, casseroles and so much more! Here are 50 mouthwatering healthy vegan recipes that use pesto in an unconditional way.

Is Pesto Vegan Friendly?

Traditional and store-bought pesto contains Parmesan cheese, which is not suitable for vegetarians. Good news is that you can make your own vegan pesto that taste just as good as the original with these 5 simple ingredients:

Fresh basil;
Macadamia nuts;
Garlic;
Nutritional yeast;
Olive oil.

The recipe comes together in a minute. All you need is to blend everything together adding a little water and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make sure to check my vegan pesto recipe and you’ll never go back to the store-bought pesto! This pesto is hands down the best one I’ve ever tried.

Is Pesto Healthy?

Short answer: Yes, it is! All the ingredients used in vegan pesto are healthy and should be a part of a well-balanced diet. Long answer: I described the health benefits of pesto in detail in the above-mentioned vegetarian pesto recipe post.

You use any other leafy greens instead of basil to make your pesto extra nutritious and flavorful. Examples are wild garlic pesto and kale pesto that are both tasty and nutrient-dense.

What Goes Well with Pesto?

Pesto is perfect with pasta. But not only! Here are some of the ways you can use pesto to shake things up in the kitchen:

Pizza;
Salads;
Soups;
Casseroles;
Bowls;
Sandwiches;
Wraps;
Dips and spreads;
Bread.

Check the recipes below for ideas and don’t forget to share which ones you like the most!

Vegan Pesto Pasta Recipes

Vegan Pesto Pasta with Beans and Sun-Dried Tomatoes by Happy Kitchen.Rocks

Creamy, delicious, healthy, satisfying vegan pesto pasta is the perfect marriage of comfort food and culinary art that comes together quickly and simply.

Cheesy Pesto Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta Sauce by Rainbow Nourishments

Healthy yet creamy alfredo pasta sauce packed with vegetables and with a hint of pesto! It’s low-fat, nut-free, super easy to make and packed with protein (thanks to the cauliflower)!

Creamy Thai Pesto Linguine by Choosing Chia

Creamy Thai pesto linguine is the perfect Asian Italian fusion that comes together quickly and easily!

Vegan Pizza Pasta Bake by Rainbow Nourishments

This vegan pizza pasta bake recipe is perfect for those who are craving a pizza night in but just don’t have the time to make their own dough. It’s easy, very family and kid friendly and so quick to make!

Creamy Avocado Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Burst Tomatoes by The Endless Meal

These Pesto Zucchini Noodles are covered in a delicious nut and dairy-free avocado pesto. It’s the perfect quick, easy and healthy weeknight meal.

More Vegan Pesto Pasta Recipes:

Roasted Beet Noodles Over Quinoa with Parsley Pesto by Eating by Elaine
Easy Spinach Pesto Pasta by Yup.. it’s vegan!
Vegan Pesto Pasta Casserole by Stacey Homemaker
Pesto Spaghetti with Vegan Meatballs (Chickpea Walnut balls) by Vegan Richa
Green Pesto Pasta with Pistachios by Vibrant Plate
Creamy Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free) by Strength & Sunshine
Kale Pesto Shirataki Noodles {Vegan, Gluten Free} by Tasting Page
Spinach Pesto Lasagna with Creamy Mushroom Sauce (Vegan) by Vegetarian Gastronomy
5-Ingredient Chickpea Pesto Pasta by Audrey Dunham

Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipes

Vegan Naan Pizza with Pesto and Sweet Potato by Shivani Loves Food

This easy vegan naan pizza recipe is a definite weekday favourite! Topped with vegan pesto, sweet potato, dairy-free cheese, red onion, spinach and walnuts.

Vegan Pesto Pizza with Balsamic Glaze by This Savory Vegan

Step up Pizza Friday with this Vegan Pesto Pizza with Balsamic Glaze. It is fresh, green and simple. Perfect pizza for Spring.

Chickpea Crust Pizza With Walnut Pesto by Choosing Chia

This chickpea crust pizza with walnut pesto is a great healthy grain-free option to satisfy your pizza craving. It’s also gluten-free and vegan!

More Vegan Pesto Pizza Recipes:

Vegan Tomato Pesto Tart by Cilantro & Citronella
Vegan Sweet Potato Pizza Bites (Gluten Free) by Sunnyside Hanne
White Bean and Pesto Pizza by Contentedness Cooking

Vegan Pesto Salad Recipes

Oil-free Pesto Tomato Chickpea Salad by Vegan Yack Attack

Vegan, Oil-free Pesto Tomato Chickpea Salad, is a delicious, healthy way to use up Summer’s bounty of tomatoes and basil!

Easy Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad by Thyme & Love

This Easy Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad with corn and green beans is perfect for BBQs and potlucks!

Festive Pesto Pasta Salad by Rainbow Nourishments

This festive vegan pesto pasta salad with avocado and pomegranate seeds is perfect for your holiday menu!

More Vegan Pesto Salad Recipes:

Vegan Broccoli Salad Recipe by Yummy Inspirations
Chive Pesto Potato Salad Recipe by Veggie Society
Vegan Pesto Quinoa Salad Recipe by Veggie Society
Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad by A Virtual Vegan
Creamy Pesto Potato Salad with Baby Corn (vegan) by Tinned Tomatoes

Vegan Pesto Sandwich and Wrap Recipes

Vegan Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Carrots & Flowers

Mega-easy vegan pesto grilled cheese. 5 ingredients + BIG FLAVOR. Marinated tomatoes and balsamic glaze elevate this simple sandwich into a gourmet treat.

Grilled Summer Vegetable Sandwiches with Pesto by Kitchen Treaty

This grilled summer vegetable sandwich with pesto makes a perfect summer lunch! Zucchini, summer squash, and red bell pepper doused in balsamic-thyme marinade, grilled to perfection, and then piled onto pesto-smeared artisan rolls.

Collard Greens Pesto Chickpea Salad Sandwiches by Yup.. it’s vegan!

These pesto chickpea sandwiches are a flavor explosion! Smashed chickpeas with 5-ingredient collard greens pesto spread onto whole grain bread with sprouts, tomatoes, and onion.

More Vegan Pesto Sandwich Recipes:

Vegan Avocado Pesto Grilled Cheese by Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen
Vegan Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Plant Power Couple
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Tortilla Rollups by Vegan in the Freezer

Vegan Pesto Dinner Recipes

Sweet Potato Beet Buddha Bowl with Pistachio Pesto by Plant Based Scotty

Health plus deliciousness equals this Sweet Potato Beet Buddha Bowl with Pistachio Pesto! Make eating enjoyable again by feeding your body the food it craves.

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup by Yummy Mummy Kitchen

This Instant Pot Minestrone recipe is quick, easy, hearty, and delicious. Serve your minestrone soup with a chunk of crusty bread for a warming Italian vegetarian dinner.

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Pesto by The Organic Kitchen

These roasted potatoes with pesto make a simple side dish with a vegan, dairy free, Whole 30 option!

More Vegan Pesto Dinner Recipes:

Kale Pesto Burgers with Maple Dijon Spread (Gluten Free, Vegan) by From My Bowl
Healthy Pesto Veggie Bowl by Orchids & Sweet Tea
One Pot Lemon Asparagus Quinoa w/ Rocket Pesto (V,GF) by Vegan Family Recipes
Pesto Spinach Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes by Stacey Homemaker
Vegan Pesto Rice by Cadry’s Kitchen
Pesto Brussels Sprouts with Sun-Dried Tomatoes By Veggies Save the Day
Roasted Gnocchi with Vegan Almond Pesto by Cadry’s Kitchen

Other Vegan Pesto Recipes

Roasted Beet Hummus with Basil Pesto by Downshiftology

Beet hummus is made with oven roasted beets, chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic. It’s a vibrant and healthy snack or appetizer and I’vetopped mine with homemade basil pesto and parsley. So much flavor!

Creamy Cauliflower Pesto Dip by Vegan Yack Attack

This Creamy Cauliflower Pesto Dip is oil-free, dairy-free, vegan and delicious! It makes for a great, healthy appetizer for parties, or just to snack on.

Vegan Tomato Tartlets with Spinach Pesto by Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen

Tomato Tartlets with Spinach Pesto are the perfect party treat. Your omnivore friends probably won’t even realize that they’re vegan!

Wild Garlic Pesto Swirl Bread by Elephantastic Vegan
Pesto Dinner Rolls (Vegan) by Sunny Side Hanne
Vegan Arugula Pesto Pinwheels by Elephantastic Vegan

Which ones of these delicious vegan recipes with pesto did you like the most?

50 Healthy Vegan Recipes with Pesto • Happy Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why is some pesto not vegan? ›

Most pesto is not considered vegan for the sole reason that basic recipes call for some kind of hard cheese like Parmesan or pecorino, which is not suitable for vegans. Some authentic Parmesan is even made using rennet, an enzyme found in the lining of a goat or calf's stomach.

What makes pesto healthy? ›

Because its ingredients include olive oil, nuts, and cheese, pesto can be high in calories and fat. However, the fat is primarily unsaturated and may have heart health benefits. Pesto is also full of antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.

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Is supermarket pesto healthy? ›

On its own, pesto is a healthy ingredient, especially if made fresh and contains good quality olive oil. It's a fairly unprocessed sauce, but it can have levels of salt that are verging on high, so a healthier option is to go for 'low-salt' varieties.

Why can't you cook pesto? ›

PESTO SHOULD NEVER BE “COOKED”. If you cook Pesto Sauce, you change the make up of the fresh basil and cause it to turn darker in color. It is best to warm it up and use it at room temperature. If it needs to be thinned out, you can do so by adding a little water, chicken stock, cream or white wine.

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Why are people allergic to pesto? ›

Pesto, a flavorful sauce, often contains nuts, dairy, and garlic, which are common allergens. To safeguard yourself, here are concise and SEO-friendly tips to dodge pesky reactions: Read labels carefully: Always check ingredients. 'Pesto' isn't standardized, and variations can sneak in allergens.

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Is it okay to eat pesto every day? ›

You'll want to be mindful of the sodium content. Some jars have more than 500mg per serving and the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines recommend you eat no more than 2,300mg per day. It would be hard to stay within those guidelines if you get more than 20% of your sodium from pesto.

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Is pesto healthier than tomato? ›

As you would expect, pesto's wider variety of ingredients means it does slightly better in the vitamin and mineral stakes. Pesto outsmarts tomato sauce in many of these, but the pasta sauce still provides a sizeable chunk of your recommended daily targets.

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Is pesto good for your stomach? ›

Garlic, known for its strong flavor, can cause bloating and gas in individuals prone to digestive issues. The high-fat content in pesto, primarily from olive oil and cheese, may also contribute to symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal discomfort in some individuals with IBS.

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What do Italians eat pesto with? ›

Italian Tradition

It can be mixed into tomato sauce to enhance the flavor of pasta dishes or used with fish fillets to make them more appetizing. There are other versions of pesto with variations in the ingredients, but these are not part of the Ligurian tradition.

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How long does pesto last in the fridge? ›

Pesto will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. If you've stored it in the freezer, it will last for 6 months. When you're ready to use frozen pesto, thaw it overnight in the fridge or place the container of pesto in a bowl of warm water for a quicker thawing time.

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Why is pesto so expensive? ›

Its scarcity, plus the fact that the plants are picked roots, soil, and all to ensure that only juvenile leaves make it into pesto, makes it extraordinarily expensive and something that only premium, artisan pesto makers can justify using.

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How do you make Bobby Flay pesto? ›

directions

Combine the sage, parsley, garlic, coriander seeds, lemon juice, lemon zest, and pine nuts in a food processor or blender and process until coarsely chopped.
With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the oil and process until emulsified.
Add the cheese, salt, and pepper and process 3 to 4 seconds longer.

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How to make pesto Rachael Ray? ›

Add nuts, garlic, zest of 1 lemon and salt to a food processor and pulse into a fairly smooth paste. Add cheese to nut paste and add about 3 tablespoons EVOO; process until smooth. Pulse process basil into sauce until fairly smooth, adding juice of 1 lemon and remaining EVOO.

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Why is my homemade pesto turning brown? ›

Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are made up of many different molecules, including enzymes, which are responsible for speeding up the rate of chemical reactions. This includes enzymatic browning, a term used to describe what happens when phenolic compounds encounter oxygen.

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Does all pesto have animal rennet? ›

Unfortunately, most supermarket pesto brands aren't vegetarian. Parmesan, a key ingredient in pesto, contains rennet which is an enzyme found in the stomach of a goat or calf.

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How to tell if pesto is vegetarian? ›

Pesto. If it doesn't specify it's veggie, it's likely to contain our old meaty friend, Parmesan. Most traditional pesto recipes and shop-bought jars won't be suitable for vegetarians. It's worth double-checking pizzas and pastas which contain a drizzle of pesto, just to be sure.

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Can you buy vegan pesto? ›

Sacla Vegan Basil Pesto 190G - Tesco Groceries.

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Does vegan pesto taste the same? ›

Instead of parmesan cheese, this vegan pesto uses nutritional yeast. It provides the same rich, nutty flavor as parmesan, and a little salt replaces the sodium of the cheese.

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