Creamy & Flavorful Vegan Coriander Pesto Recipe
PALEO II VEGAN II GLUTEN FREE II SOY FREE II DAIRY FREE II SESAME FREE II EGG FREE II SHELLFISH FREE II FISH FREE II NIGHTSHADE FREE II NUT FREE
Pesto is one of the quickest and easiest ways to elevate a bland meal. This coriander pesto is perfect for adding excitement to your dishes. You can spread it on sandwiches, serve it as a dip, mix it with pasta, or pair it with meat or fish. The possibilities are endless!
I developed this coriander pesto recipe a few years ago when I discovered that I couldn't eat dairy and missed traditional pesto. This version is creamy and full of flavour. I hope you enjoy using it to create wonderful meals!
Notes on ingredients for coriander pesto
Coriander
If you don’t like coriander, you can replace it with other herbs like basil. As a chef, I often make a mixed herb pesto when I have a lot of leftover herbs. You can try using a combination of dill, parsley, mint, and basil. I particularly enjoy using tarragon and parsley in chicken dishes. Additionally, a dill pesto works wonderfully for fish dishes.
Nuts
To make this recipe nut-free, you can replace the walnuts with pine nuts, if tolerated (always consult your allergist or doctor), or use pumpkin seeds. I often use pumpkin seeds in pesto, as they add a delicious, nutty and slightly sweet flavor that works beautifully in this coriander pesto recipe.
Extra virgin olive oil
Always choose high-quality olive oil, preferably cold-pressed. Cold-pressed olive oil is extracted from olives using mechanical pressure without heat or chemicals. The process preserves the olives' natural flavour, nutrients, and aroma. Avocado or hemp oil would also be great options.
Avocado/peas
I add either avocado or peas to make the pesto creamy—do not skip these ingredients. Avocados are rich in vitamins C, E, K, and B6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. They also provide lutein, beta carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, avocados contain high levels of healthy fats that can help keep you feeling fuller between meals.
On the other hand, peas are high in fibre and protein, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. Both ingredients are packed with health benefits, which I truly love. Yummy food that’s also super healthy—it's a win-win!
Ingredients
Tips & Faq’s for coriander pesto
Can I make coriander pesto without nuts?
Yes, skip the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
How should I store coriander pesto?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to preserve freshness.
Can I freeze coriander pesto?
Yes, freeze it in small portions, like an ice cube tray. Thaw as needed for use.
Is coriander pesto vegan?
I chose not to add any vegan parmesan to this recipe because I wanted to keep it clean and healthy. Many vegan parmesan options contain synthetic, man-made ingredients, which I prefer to avoid in my cooking. While you could add nutritional yeast to the pesto, I personally don't enjoy it. I find that it doesn't enhance the flavour or provide a 'cheesy' taste; instead, it has more of a musty, nutty flavour and reminds me of fish food. However, feel free to make the recipe your own! If you love nutritional yeast, you can add 1 teaspoon to the recipe.
Can I make this coriander pesto in a blender?
Yes, a blender or food processor works perfectly to mix the ingredients smoothly.
Is coriander pesto spicy?
Not inherently, but you can add chilli or black pepper for heat if desired.
Can I adjust the texture?
Yes, add more olive oil for a thinner consistency or extra nuts for a thicker mix.
What dishes can I use it with?
It pairs well with pasta, sandwiches, grilled vegetables, grilled meat or fish salads, or as a dip.
15 mins prep time
Step by step
Recipe
60g coriander
handful walnuts or pumpkin seeds
pinch of salt & pepper
100ml extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 chilli * optional
1 avocado or handful of peas
handful watercress/spinach/kale * optional
Method
Put all the ingredients into a nutri bullet and whizz up
Add a splash of water if there’s not enough liquid it should be a thick consistency like regular pesto
You can stick to the basic recipe or add the optional ingredients they do make the recipe much better.
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