Vibrant Lemon Pesto
The bright colors and flavors in this pesto will bring any dish to life. Super to easy to make and freezes well…what’s not to love? **See recipe notes for nut-free option**
Ingredients
- 16 oz* basil 16oz by weight
- 2 cups olive oil
- 1/2 cup whole garlic cloves
- 4 lemons, juice and zest reserved can also sub 1 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup walnuts*
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbs sea salt
Instructions
- Add 2 cups of olive oil and garlic cloves to medium sauce pan and bring to a simmer, careful not burn the garlic (if this happens you will need to start over).
- Allow to simmer for 5 minutes then turn stove off and remove from heat, cooling for about 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse and dry your basil.
- Zest your lemons (if desired).
- Juice your lemons.
- Add the olive oil/garlic and rest of ingredients (EXCEPT the basil and walnuts) to your blender or food processor and process on medium for about 30 seconds.
- Gradually add the basil, 1 handful at a time, until it has all been blended into the mixture (*you will think it is too much basil, but if you add it gradually it’s the right amount! :0)
- Add walnuts at the end and pulse together until small pieces are achieved, but not until smooth
Notes
*sub walnuts with sunflower seeds or pepitas for nut free option