Hemp & Basil Pesto
A vibrant, nut-free twist on classic pesto that swaps pine nuts for creamy hemp seeds. Fresh basil, garlic, and lemon come together with hemp hearts for a sauce that's bright, earthy, and surprisingly rich. Toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle over roasted vegetables.
For 4 servings
- prep
Wash and dry the basil leaves.
Gently rinse the basil leaves under cool water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. Any water left on the leaves will thin out the pesto.
- mix
Pulse the garlic and hemp seeds.
1.Add the garlic cloves and hemp seeds to a food processor.2.Pulse 5-6 times until roughly chopped and combined. - mix · ~1 min
Blend in the basil and lemon.
1.Add the dried basil leaves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.2.Pulse a few times, then scrape down the sides with a spatula.3.With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. - mix
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Stop the processor and give the pesto a taste. Add another pinch of salt, a crack of black pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice if needed. Pulse once more to incorporate.
TIPHemp seeds have a mild, nutty flavor that builds as the pesto sits — the taste will deepen after 10 minutes. - serve
Transfer to a jar and serve.
Scrape the pesto into a clean jar or bowl. Serve immediately tossed with hot pasta, spread on crusty bread, or drizzled over grilled vegetables.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Dry basil leaves thoroughly after washing to prevent a watery pesto.
- 2Toast hemp seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes to deepen their nutty flavor.
- 3Pulse the garlic and hemp seeds first to ensure even chopping before adding basil.
- 4Drizzle olive oil slowly while the motor runs for a creamy, emulsified texture.
- 5For a thicker pesto, reduce olive oil to 2 tbsp and add a splash of pasta water.
- 6Store pesto in a jar with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
This pesto is already dairy-free; skip the optional Parmesan to keep it vegan-friendly.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 2 tbsp and add 1 tbsp water or pasta cooking water for a lighter, still creamy pesto.
spicySpicy
Add one small red chili or 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes with the basil for a fiery kick.
leafy green boostLeafy green boost
Replace 1 cup of basil with baby spinach or arugula for a milder, peppery variation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3s
Hemp seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health.
High in Plant Protein
Hemp hearts provide a complete protein source, making this pesto a filling addition to meals.
Antioxidant-rich Basil
Fresh basil contains flavonoids and antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
Vitamin E from Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil contributes vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant for skin health.
Frequently asked questions
Fresh basil is essential for this pesto's bright flavor and texture; dried basil will yield a less vibrant, more muted result.
