Basil Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Name: Basil Pumpkin Seed Pesto
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 1 cup pumpkin seeds (or walnuts, cashews, hemp, or pine nuts); 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (provides a parmesan cheese flavor); 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adds tangy sharpness); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon unprocessed salt

By Dada Shivananda

Pesto lovers, rejoice! This Basil Pumpkin Seed Pesto is a super easy nutritional powerhouse that delivers lifeforce with lively flavor. You will enjoy it in just a few seconds — that's how quick it is to make and savor with bread, pasta, or as a spread.

Lovely olive oil not only enriches the flavor but also extends the pesto's shelf life. You might even find that this basil pesto tastes better than authentic Pesto Genovese, with pumpkin seeds adding a uniquely delightful twist in place of pine nuts. Using honey, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast imparts a tangy, parmesan-like taste that satisfies without dairy.

All you need is a robust food processor to crush the pumpkin seeds and basil leaves. Try this pesto as a dip for vegetables, a spread on pancakes or crackers, or even as a topping for pizza and spaghetti. The versatility is endless, and the nutritional benefits are remarkable.

Nutritional Benefits: Pumpkin seeds are packed with magnesium, copper, protein, and zinc. Basil is an anti-aging powerhouse rich in flavonoids that protect the body from free radicals, along with essential oils that inhibit pathogenic bacteria.

Prep Time5 min

Total Time5 min

Servings

units