Vegan Pesto Pasta

This Vegan Pesto Pasta is a popular plant-based dinner recipe! There’s a reason for that. It’s because it is packed with fresh and vibrant flavors! Pesto sauce features a creamy sauce made from basil, nuts, garlic, olive oil, and a smidge of lemon. This pasta dish tastes like summer freshness in a cheesy, nutty, savory, and peppery sauce.

Simply toss it with cooked pasta to create a satisfying and delicious meal. Pesto pasta is not only suitable for vegans. it’s also loved by anyone who appreciates the aromatic and herb-infused taste of traditional pesto.

Add-in Options for Vegan Pesto Pasta

Vegan Pesto Pasta is great on it’s own. However, you can also add depths of flavor with some additional add-ins. Here are some ideas to get you started. Use these or invent your own wonderful options and create new favorites.

• Tempeh bayan or Vegan bacon: Crumble some vegan bacon or tempeh bacon on top. It will add a smoky, salty crunch that adds depth of flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes can add a burst of sweetness and acidity to balance the richness of the pesto sauce.
• Fresh vegetables: Toss in some roasted or sautéed vegetables. Try some cherry tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, mushrooms or steamed broccoli. It will add texture, color, and nutrients to your pesto pasta.
• Olives: Sliced black or green olives can add a briny, tangy flavor that complements the basil pesto.
• Vegan sausage or meatballs: Add some sliced or crumbled vegan sausage or meatballs for a hearty, protein-packed addition to your pesto pasta.
• Greens: Stir in some baby spinach, arugula, or kale for an added dose of leafy greens and freshness.
• Artichoke hearts: Chopped marinated artichoke hearts can add a tangy, slightly tart flavor to your pesto pasta.
• Roasted nuts: Sprinkle some roasted pine nuts, almonds, or cashews on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Vegan cream or cashew cream: Stir in some vegan cream or cashew cream to create a creamy, luscious pesto sauce.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed or roasted mushrooms can add an earthy, umami flavor that pairs well with the herbaceous pesto sauce.
• Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro can add an extra burst of freshness and aroma to your pesto pasta.
• Lemon zest: Grate some lemon zest on top of your pesto pasta for a tangy, citrusy kick that brightens up the dish.
• Roasted or sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried or roasted tomatoes can add a sweet, slightly tangy flavor to your pesto pasta and complement the basil pesto perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some delicious serving options for Vegan Pesto Pasta. Choose your favorite or mix and match for a super easy and packed with flavor meal.

Add Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables make a flavorful and hearty side dish for pesto pasta. You can roast vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms. Just add in some olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast until they are tender and caramelized. The roasted vegetables can add a burst of flavor and texture to the pasta dish.

• Salad: A fresh and vibrant salad can be a great accompaniment to pesto pasta. You can toss together a mix of leafy greens, vegetables, nuts, and a tangy dressing. This adds balance to the richness of the pesto pasta. Consider using ingredients like cherry tomatoes, roasted vegetables, olives, and pine nuts. Then add a lemony vinaigrette for a refreshing and complementary salad.

Pair with Meatballs

• Chickpea meatballs are a popular vegan option and can be a delicious addition to pesto pasta. The creamy texture and mild flavor of chickpeas complement the bold flavors of the pesto, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal. Consider garnishing the dish with some fresh basil, vegan parmesan cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes for added taste and visual appeal.

• Lentil meatballs can also be a fantastic option to serve with pesto pasta! Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and can provide a hearty and satisfying texture to meatballs. The earthy flavor of lentils pairs well with the vibrant flavors of the pesto, creating a delicious and wholesome meal.

• Red lentil meatballs can also be a great option to serve with pesto pasta! The creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor of red lentils complement the bold flavors of the pesto. This creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serve with Bread

• Garlic bread: Toast slices of bread and spread them with vegan butter or margarine mixed with minced garlic, then broil until golden and crispy. This adds a garlicky, savory crunch that pairs well with the flavors of pesto pasta.

• Baguette or crusty bread: Slices of crusty bread or baguette can be served alongside pesto pasta for a tasty and satisfying accompaniment. You can also brush the bread with olive oil and toast it for added flavor and texture.

• Flatbread: Homemade or store-bought vegan flatbread can be a great option to serve with pesto pasta. You can brush the flatbread with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt, herbs, or even vegan cheese before baking or grilling for added flavor.

• Focaccia: Soft and pillowy focaccia bread can be a delicious option to serve with pesto pasta. You can make your own vegan focaccia at home or find store-bought options that are suitable for a vegan diet.

• Crostini: Thinly sliced and toasted baguette or bread can be topped with a dollop of pesto and other toppings such as diced tomatoes, olives, or vegan cheese for a bite-sized appetizer or snack.

Storage Tips for Vegan Pesto Pasta

• Store pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep the pasta and sauce separate if possible, as the pasta can absorb the sauce and become overly soft.

• If storing the pesto sauce separately, transfer it to a small jar or container and cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to help preserve its freshness. Seal the container tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

• Alternatively, you can freeze vegan pesto sauce for longer-term storage. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and label it with the date. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen pesto sauce in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Note: Pasta is best cooked fresh and not recommended for freezing as it can become soggy when thawed and reheated. It’s best to store the pesto sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy vegan pesto pasta again.