Have you noticed? Pepitas are having a full-on comeback moment. They’re making appearances in places they’ve never been—nut milks, tofu, vegan scrambles. It feels like pepitas are having a full rebrand, and I’m not mad about it. We’re only just scratching the surface of what these little green gems are capable of, and this recipe is a perfect example. Cue pepita pesto! I’m going to show you how pepitas can transform your pesto game with this vegan nut free pesto. The flavor is just incredible, and your monthly budget will thank you.
After extensive experimenting and a fair share of trial and error, I’ve developed a pesto that’s creamy, nutty, and budget-friendly, without the harsh garlic aftertaste. I’ll take you step-by-step through this incredible little staple and share one incredible tip on how to ‘mellow’ your garlic that you can use in all your future pestos. I’ve mentioned this in other pesto recipes, and I fully stand by it—it is hands down the best tip I can give anyone making pesto! So, if your pantry has a forgotten bag of pepitas, it’s time to bring them out and make this incredible pepita pesto without pine nuts. Get ready to revitalize your meals with this budget-friendly, flavor-packed twist on a classic!
Why Choose This Recipe?
This pepita pesto is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Budget-Friendly: Pepita seeds are significantly cheaper than pine nuts, making this pesto a wallet-friendly option.
- Nut-Free: This pesto is made without pinenuts, or any other nuts for that matter. Perfect for those with nut allergies.
- Balanced Flavor: Roasting or sautéing and then soaking garlic in lemon juice is a gamechanger! It mellows the flavor, eliminating that harsh garlic bite.
- Eco-Friendly: Pepita seeds have a lower environmental impact compared to nuts like pine nuts or almonds, plus much friendlier on your back pocket!
- Nutritional Boost: Includes nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor (without the cheese) and is packed with B vitamins.
- Toasty Toasty – toasting your seeds before adding to the pesto really helps bring the depth of flavor together.
Star Ingredients:
Pepita Seeds
Pepita seeds, or pumpkin seeds, are a game-changer for vegan nut free pesto. Their rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture make them a perfect nut-free alternative to traditional pine nuts (pesto without pinenuts is a winner for my monthly shopping bill too!). Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like magnesium, iron, and zinc, which are great for overall health. With their high levels of antioxidants and healthy fats, pepitas promote heart health and reduce inflammation. So, not only do they enhance the taste of your pesto, but they also give it a serious nutritional boost, making it a delicious and healthy choice.
Basil
Fresh basil is non-negotiable. Sweet basil is the classic choice, with its perfect blend of sweet and peppery notes. For a twist, try Genovese basil for a stronger aroma or Thai basil for a hint of anise. Make sure those leaves are bright green and free from any brown spots for the best results.
Garlic
Garlic can be a bit of a diva in pesto, but I’ve got a hack for you. Use fresh, firm cloves and give them a quick roast or sauté to mellow that sharp bite. Then, soak them in lemon juice for about 10 minutes. This trick takes the edge off and balances the garlic flavor beautifully.
Olive Oil
When it comes to olive oil, go for the extra virgin variety. It’s rich, fruity, and perfect for pesto. Brands like Cobram Estate and Bertolli are fantastic. Look for an olive oil that has a nice balance of fruitiness, bitterness, and pepperiness to really elevate your pesto.
Lemon
Fresh lemon juice is your friend here. Organic lemons are the best to avoid any unwanted chemicals. The freshly squeezed juice adds a bright, zesty kick that balances out the richness of the olive oil and the nuttiness of the seeds. Plus, it helps keep that basil looking vibrant and green.
Nutritional Yeast
This little addition is a powerhouse. Nutritional yeast not only gives your pesto a cheesy flavor but also packs in B vitamins, protein, and fiber. Mindful Foods and Bob’s Red Mill are reliable choices. It’s the perfect way to boost the nutritional profile of your pesto while keeping it vegan. Using these tips and ingredients, you’ll create a pepita basil pesto that’s not only delicious and budget-friendly but also bursting with vibrant flavors. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful pesto!
What You’ll Need:
Gather the below ingredients for Pepita Pesto:
- 2 cups packed basil leaves
- 1/3 cup raw pepita seeds – toasted lightly in a pan
- 2 garlic cloves – roasted/fried and soaked in lemon juice for 10 minutes ** Best tip!
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup olive oil, or a little more for consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating Your Perfect Pepita Pesto
First, begin by toasting the raw pepita seeds in a pan over medium heat until they are lightly browned and fragrant. This step enhances the nutty, “cheesy” flavor without adding any actual cheese.
Next, roast or sauté and then soak the garlic in lemon juice for 10 minutes. This process takes the edge off the garlic, making it milder and more palatable.
After 10 minutes, it’s time to blend! In a food processor or blender (pictured above), combine the toasted pepita seeds, roasted and soaked garlic, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is finely chopped. If you’re using a blender you may need to stop and shake the ingredients to the bottom to make sure everything is processed.
While blending, or with the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You might need to add a little more olive oil to get it just right.
Taste and Adjust, taste your pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a bit more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your taste.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pepita Seed Pesto
- Roasting and Soaking Garlic: This step is crucial for a balanced pesto. It mellows the garlic, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
- Toasting Pepita Seeds: Toasting the seeds before blending adds a nutty, “cheesy” flavor to your vegan nut free pesto without the need for actual cheese. It also gives that extra depth which a good pesto without pine nuts needs to compete! This is a great tip for keeping the pesto vegan and budget-friendly.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adding nutritional yeast not only enhances the cheesy flavor but also provides essential nutrients like B vitamins, making this pesto both delicious and nutritious.
- Consistency Check: How do you like your pesto? Chunky and thick? Oil drizzly and spreadable? The end result is totally up to you! If you like a good chunky pesto hold back on the oils and extra liquids, if you’re wanting a creamier texture, you can add extra water and/or oil to gradually come to your version of pesto perfection!
Pumpkin Seeds vs Pepitas – All pepitas are pumpkin seeds, but not all pumpkin seeds are pepitas. Pepitas are a special type of pumpkin seed that comes from hull-less pumpkins, meaning they don’t have the hard white shell you find on regular pumpkin seeds. These green gems are ready to eat straight from the pumpkin!
Substitutions and Variations
Explore Variations of Your Pepita Seed Pesto Recipe
- Herb Variations: Swap out basil for other herbs like parsley, cilantro, or a mix of herbs for a different flavor profile.
- Seed Alternatives: If you don’t have pepita seeds, try using sunflower seeds or hemp seeds for a different twist on this vegan nut free pesto.
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute pepitas with sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, or even walnuts for a different flavor and texture. Ideally we’re making a pesto without pinenuts so anything but them to help keep it budget friendly!
Store your pepita pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning and use within three months.
Absolutely! This recipe is entirely vegan, making it a perfect option for those following a plant-based diet.
Pepita seeds are a great budget-friendly alternative to pine nuts. They are also eco-friendly and packed with nutrients like vitamin E and healthy fats.
Pepita Basil Pesto
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor / Blender
- 1 Chopping board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 cup Pepitas (toasted)
- 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
- 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- pinch Salt + Pepper
- 1/4 cup water ((optional))
Instructions
- Peel the garlic cloves and sauté or roast them until they are soft and slightly golden.
- Once cooked, juice your lemon and let the garlic cloves sit in the lemon juice for about 10 minutes to mellow the flavor while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pepitas for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly.
- Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the toasted pepitas, fresh basil leaves, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper and nutritional yeast.
- With the blender running on low speed (or intermittently stopping to add if using a blender), slowly add in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture starts to come together and becomes smooth. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is well-mixed.
- Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste
- Transfer the pesto to a jar or airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week
Notes
- If the pesto is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Did you try this recipe?
Drop a comment below to share how it turned out! Tag @onecupofkindness on Instagram and use the hashtag #onecupofkindness.
