Vegan Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta Recipe

Craving a creamy, flavorful pesto pasta but avoiding dairy and nuts? Look no further! This Vegan Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta recipe is a delicious and allergy-friendly alternative that’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients. Sunflower seeds offer a fantastic, budget-friendly base for pesto, providing a mild, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh basil and garlic.

Why Sunflower Seed Pesto?

Traditional pesto relies heavily on pine nuts and parmesan cheese. This recipe swaps those ingredients for sunflower seeds and nutritional yeast, creating a vegan pesto that’s just as satisfying. Sunflower seeds are a great source of Vitamin E and healthy fats, making this a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, it’s perfect for those with nut allergies!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape)
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, raw and unsalted
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of spice

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, sunflower seeds, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and lemon juice. Process until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed to reach desired consistency.
3. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sunflower seed pesto. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the pasta is coated and the sauce is creamy.
5. Serve immediately, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with extra basil leaves (optional).

Tips and Variations:

• Toast the sunflower seeds lightly in a dry pan before blending for a deeper, more intense flavor.
• Add a handful of spinach or kale to the pesto for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Experiment with different herbs, such as parsley or oregano, to customize the flavor.
• For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of white miso paste to the pesto.

Enjoy this simple and delicious Vegan Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta recipe! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic dish with a healthy and allergy-friendly twist. Don’t forget to share your creations!

Ingredients:
pasta, fresh basil leaves, sunflower seeds, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (optional)

Tags:
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