This vegan hemp seed pesto is a great alternative to a traditional pesto recipe. It’s the perfect pesto for those that can’t eat nuts or dairy and don’t want to miss out, or compromise on taste!
We LOVE pesto in our house! I make it a lot and usually follow this recipe. I have tried so many different combinations of greens and seeds over the years and no matter what, the kids always inhale anything pesto! It frequents the dinner table in all sorts of ways…
Stirred through pasta
In wraps and sandwiches
On pizza
In Buddha bowls
Stirred through risotto
As part of ‘Bits and pieces’ for the kids (this is a plate of random things I pull from the fridge and pantry. Pesto as part of ‘bits and pieces’ usually happens in the form of a dip)
Mixed into yoghurt and used as a sauce
With scrambled eggs or on omelette
If you’d like to try this vegan hemp seed pesto stirred through pasta, it makes enough for 500g (uncooked weight) of pasta.
If you’re keen for additional veggies with that, replace some of the pasta with broccoli. Here’s a great recipe for Pesto Pasta with Broccoli that this pesto will work well in!
Using hemp seeds in pesto
When I decided a couple of weeks ago to try a vegan version of this family fave, I thought hemp seeds were a pretty good idea for it.
The ultra creaminess of hemp seeds is perfect. This, along with a bit more salt than I’d usually use in a pesto (to make up for the lack of salty Parmesan cheese), makes this a really great vegan pesto!
Hemp seeds are so nutritious! They’re high in protein, and they are also a complete source of protein. This means that they contain all nine essential amino acids. They’re also rich in omega-3 and a range of vitamins and minerals.
Ready in minutes!
Making pesto in the Thermomix is a one step process. It can’t get much easier than that now, can it?!
All that’s needed is to add all ingredients into the bowl, blitz, and it’s ready.
However it is you decide to eat this, I hope you really enjoy it! I honestly don’t think you’ll miss the usual pesto inclusions of Parmesan and nuts.
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Vegan Hemp Seed Pesto
Ingredients
- 120 g hulled hemp seeds
- 60 g olive oil (hemp seed oil also works well)
- 40 g basil leaves
- 40 g baby spinach
- 20 g lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (5g)
- 1 tsp salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in mixer bowl. Blend 2 seconds/speed 8/MC on. Scrape down bowl. Repeat.
Nutrition
Please note, nutrition information is calculated via an online recipe nutrition calculator and is a guide only. It is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed 100% accurate. I am not a nutritionist or trained health professional.
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Hi, I'm Bec
I specialise in great tasting vegetarian Thermomix recipes and cater for a wide range of dietary needs. I love sharing here and in my cookbooks my healthy, delicious recipes (of course the odd treat too!) Whether you’re looking to ignite your thermo mojo, or just after some new, really tasty family friendly recipes, there really is something here for everyone
I absolutely love this pesto and don’t miss the Parmesan cheese at all! I have probably eaten my quota just in scraping it from the bowl. Most pestos freeze well so will try a small quantity, otherwise how long would it keep in the fridge I wonder?
Hey Katrina, so great to hear you love this so much! It’s fine for about 5 days in a jar in the fridge – just cover the surface with a layer of oil.
I’ll admit I was skeptical that a vegan pesto could rival the traditional version, but WOW! My fears were unfounded! Truly delicious and authentic. I used garlic-infused olive oil as I am low-fodmap. Love the fresh lemon hit, and the fact that it is so nutritious. Thanks for an absolute winner!
Hi Hannah, I’m so glad you love this version of pesto! Thank you so much for trying it even though you were skeptical 🙂
Hi Bec, I find it hard to sign up
Delicious!
I love this pesto. It is super health, delicious and vegan. Not that I am vegan, however this will be my go to pesto from now on! Thank you Bec for sharing this with us. I now have quite a few wonderful recipes up my sleeve thanks to you!!
oh hemp seeds in pesto, such a clever idea! I have some friends who are dairy free who would love this, thanks for the recipe 🙂
I love a good pesto sauce and I’m always looking for vegan take on classic dishes for my vegan family – this is perfect!