This vegan pistachio pesto pasta is a twist on traditional pesto by switching pistachios for pine nuts. Ready in under 30 minutes, this would be a great weeknight family meal.
I've always been a pasta freak. Growing up I didn't really eat much for dinner except pasta. My mom wasn't the best cook (I'm not dissing my mom here, she says so herself and is not ashamed).
All she really ever made for my sister and me for dinner was pasta (usually with some bottled tomato sauce) so I got used to having it daily. After leaving for college and seeing that other people actually ate something besides pasta, I began to try new things. I also now realize eating at least a half a box of pasta with no veggies or protein every night is not the healthiest option.
Pasta still holds a special place in my heart though and I enjoy a nice bowl of it once a week. I love coming up with new recipes that align with my plant-based eating, like with my Cashew Mac & Cheese and Lemon One Pot Pasta. I've even gotten my mom into trying some of my recipes too and she is much better health-wise.
Pisatachio Pesto
When spring comes around I find myself craving pesto sauce. It must be the green of that basil that reminds me that winter is gone and a new beginning has started.
I came up with this vegan pistachio pesto pasta to the recipe after getting home from the store with all of my groceries just to realize that I forgot the pine nuts. I didn't want to run back out but I remembered that I had some leftover pistachios from last week's salad (yay!).
I figured it couldn't hurt to try to substitute the nuts and it worked out well! I also love how the pistachios made the pesto even greener. (Is greener a word? It got past spell check so I'm going to leave it in.)
I think this recipe is a fun twist on original pesto and is fit for many that have dietary restrictions.
No cheese is added to this pistachio pesto pasta for those that are vegan or dairy-free. I substitute nutritional yeast for getting a bit of the cheesy flavor that parmesan usually adds. I also throw a nice heaping spoonful (or 2) of my parmesan cheese alternative to top the pasta before I dig in.
Gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles can be substituted for regular pasta if you're gluten-free.
If you make this pistachio pesto pasta recipe, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below.
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📖 Recipe
Pistachio Pesto Pasta
Email Recipe & IngredientsIngredients
- 1 box gluten free pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup tightly packed fresh basil (stems removed)
- ½ cup pistachios (plus more for garnish)
- 1-2 garlic cloves (depending on how garlic-y you like it)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- juice of half a lemon
- 2 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 6 Tablespoon olive oil
- veggie broth (optional more if needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking add all the ingredients* (except the oil and veggie broth) into a food processor and process.
- Slowly add in oil while processing and process until smooth.
- You can add a few tablespoons of veggie broth to thin out the sauce if needed.
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional information data is computer generated and only an estimate so it should be used only as a guide.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them. Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Mary Ellen Valverde MS, CNS, LDN is a Licensed Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist who empowers vegans to feel clear and confident about what is uniquely nourishing to them.Mary Ellen's recipes and nutrition information have been featured on Yahoo News, Parade, VegNews, LIVESTRONG, Dr. Axe, Greatist, LIVEKINDLY, Brit+Co, Well+Good, and more.
Helaine says
I made this for dinner last night and it was pure heaven!! Of course using homemade pasta didn't hurt but the sauce could easily stand on its own. It was so satisfying and refreshing at the same time. The lemon added a lovely and fresh finish. Thank you so much for sharing the recipe.
Mary Ellen says
Thank you so much for letting me know you tried my pesto, Helaine. It really means a lot to me. I'm so glad you liked it!
Farrah says
Pistachio pesto is so, so good! I haven't made it in the longest time, but I really need to again! *-* This looks amazing!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Farah! Let me know if you give this pesto a try!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
Loved this post and pasta dish. I'm a fan as well. Coming back to thank you for linking up to #BestofBlogs! Tweeted for you.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Julie!
Corina says
This looks gorgeous! I've made a lot of different pestos - usually dependent on what nuts, seeds or herbs I happen to have at the time but I dont' think I've ever made a pesto with pistachios before. Love the fact that they make it even greener!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Corina! I love trying out new versions of pestos. Once the weather gets a bit "springy" I get so obsessed with them. 🙂
Rachel says
Wow, yum. This looks really awesome. My husband really hates red sauce and I'm getting tired of our other sauces so I'm definitely going to give this a try. Thanks for linking up and sharing this!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Rachel! Let me know what you think if you try it!
Kimmythevegan says
This sounds super delicious! I haven't made pesto in ages and I'm loving all of the fresh basil at the farmer's market right now. And I like the twist with pistachios (especially because my husband loves pistachios).
"Pasta still holds a special place in my heart though and I enjoy a nice bowl of it probably once a week."
My mom isn't a great cook either, BUT she used to make the most fantastic pasta sauce. I still crave it and wish she lived closer to make it for me ;p I have a special place in my heart for pasta too and I tend to make the same kind every week. This will be a good switch =)
Thanks so much for sharing this at Healthy Vegan Fridays! I'm pinning (and bookmarking to try!)
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Kimmy! The fresh basil really inspired me to make some pesto too! Your mom's sauce sounds amazing! My mom used to just open a can of Prego or Ragu lol. 🙂
kimmythevegan says
I made this pesto tonight and had it over zoodles. It's SO GOOD!!!!!!
Mary Ellen says
That's wonderful to hear! I'm so glad you liked it! Once the weather gets nice I love subbing zoodles for regular noodles.
Dragons And Fairy Dust says
I love pasta. This looks ideal for a light Spring meal
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much! I love pasta too! 🙂
awhiskandtwowands says
Oh this sounds amazing! Can't wait to try it, pinned for later! My favorite sauces are light flavorful ones for spring. I use to LOVE pasta, well still do, but don't have it nearly as often as I use to. Thank you for linking up with us for Meatless Monday.
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Sarah! I hear you - I try to limit my pasta intake but every once in a while I indulge. 🙂
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Ooh love the pistachios in there! Yummy looks so good thanks for linking up for Meatless Monday today
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Deborah! I love liking up on Mondays with you!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
Yum! Pistachio pesto is amazing! I love your version. My Mom made spaghetti about once a week 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Julie! I'm trying to limit myself to once a week for pasta now. 🙂
Lauren Boldizar says
Oh yum! Pinning this for later this week!
Andrea Wyckoff says
This pesto sounds delicious! I haven't used pistachios in pesto yet, but love the idea! Will have to try it for sure!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Andrea! Let me know if you try it!
Farrah says
Pistachio and pesto are two of my favorite things--I hate that pine nuts are so expensive, but ah, pistachios may be even better! 😛
Mary Ellen says
I don't really know why pine nuts are so expensive. Last time I bought them they were like $5 for a small packet. I'm into trying pestos with new nuts now to save money and try new flavors. Walnuts seemed to work well too.
katalysthealth says
Yes please!! This looks and sounds amazing. I adore pistachio [its my favorite ice cream flavor!] but Ive never even thought to use them in pesto before. Mmmm need to try this one asap!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Kat! Pistachio ice cream is one of my favorites too!! I feel like you don't meet many people that love pistachio ice cream - glad to have found another.
jacika says
This food look very fresh and delicious. I will try it in my house. Thanks for sharing
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Jacika!
Kyra @ Vie De La Vegan says
I love pesto! I always use other nuts instead of pine nuts these days because pine nuts are so ridiculously expensive - cashews go really nice in pesto. I'll definitely be trying your pistachio pesto!
Mary Ellen says
Yes, pine nuts are so crazy expensive! I've tried almonds and walnuts in pesto too - they all seem to work out just fine. I'll have to try cashews too!
Annmarie says
This looks absolutely delicious! Pinned and sharing- cannot wait to give this a try!!! Thanks for linking up 🙂
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Annmarie!
Christine (Run Plant Based) says
This looks wonderful, I need to try it with the protein soybean spaghetti. Thanks!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks Christine! I bet it would so so pretty with the green from the soybean spaghetti!
Kate D. Bunting says
I have never been a big fan of pasta, probably because my mom cooked it so often with it being my stepdad's favorite meal. My husband isn't a fan either... However, I recently made pesto pasta salad and we both really liked it. Your recipe looks really delicious so I'll definitely will have to give it a try!
Mary Ellen says
Thanks so much Kate! I totally hear you, food associations can be hard to get out of our heads. There are a few of foods I don't like either because it reminds me of something else. Pesto pasta salad sounds tasty! I'll have to give that a go for a bbq or party this summer!