Delicious Dairy Free Pesto

I love taking regular recipes and healthifying them. I don’t think that’s a real word, but you get the idea. It’s so satisfying when you can use healthier ingredients and have it taste even better than the original! Pesto is something I love because it’s so versatile and easy to make. You can have it on pasta (gluten free of course), as a dip with veggies or crackers, or on salmon. Although it’s not too unhealthy in the first place, if you want to forgo the cheese without compromising on the taste, you may think you don’t have any options. But there is a solution – nutritional yeast!

Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast has a great cheesy flavour all the B Vitamins – great to increase your energy! That includes B12, which is normally found exclusively in animal products. It’s also a complete protein source containing all the essential amino acids, and it’s rich in minerals including chromium, magnesium and zinc. And did I mention it tastes awesome? 🙂

Nuts

Another great benefit to making your own pesto is that you don’t have to stick to the traditional pine nuts. Don’t get me wrong, pine nuts are great, but very expensive. Here are some other alternatives. Pick one or a combination.

Walnuts

A great source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, and great for brain health.

Almonds

High in antioxidant Vitamin E, and a concentrated source of monounsaturated fats that help promote a healthy heart.

Pecans

Also a great sure of Vitamin E, and rich in magnesium which helps maintain a healthy immune system, reduce stress, and is anti-inflammatory.

Herbs and Greens

I love basil, and this recipe is great with just basil, but here are some other options you may not have considered, and you can change it up depending on what you have in the fridge. Here again you can choose a combination. I like to mix it up with herbs and leafy greens. Basil, cilantro and kale make a tasty and super healthy combo! But pick your favourites, mix it up, and let me know what you like best!

Cilantro

Cilantro is one of those herbs you either love it, or you hate it. I happen to LOVE it! Lucky for me (and you too if you’re a cilantro lover), because cilantro has so many amazing health benefits! It’a a powerful natural cleansing agent that helps with detoxing heavy metals from the body. It’s also a great antioxidant, can help prevent anxiety, improve sleep quality, and is anti bacterial and antimicrobial.

Parsley

Parsley helps boost the immune system and is high in Vitamin K which helps promote bone strength. It’s also high in iron and has a high fibre content.

Spinach & Kale

Leafy greens have so many health benefits and are low in calories, high in fibre and loaded with antioxidants. A great addition to pesto!