Homemade Vegan Pesto

My love story and journey to creating the perfect homemade vegan pesto was like any romantic relationship. We met, we fell in love…and then I had to figure out how to change it to fit into MY life. hahaha.

I moved to Italy a little over 3 years ago and little by little, this country has transformed my taste buds. Their use of so many fresh herbs, spices, and the delicate dough has turned me into quite a pasta/pesto/pizza addicted gal. I wouldn’t change it for the World!

 

Pesto actually originates not too far from where we live, in Genoa Italy. It was created in the 16th century and is traditionally made with crushed garlic, basil, oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese. While you can absolutely substitute the avocado for pine nuts, they are extremely pricey in today’s world! The best low budget substitute would be soaked sunflower seeds.

Through many failed attempts, daring ingredients and constant questioning of any Italian cook that is willing to hear me out, I have developed a few “must-have” staples in my refrigerator. Each week I create a big batch of my veggie packed pasta sauce, my Italian grandma inspired homemade raspberry jam and also this herb-packed homemade vegan pesto sauce that the entire family is crazy about.

In search of a High Speed Blender to make all your pesto dreams come true? Here are our top 3 picks:

Our Current Blender: The Vitamix Explorian Blender

• It took me 3 years to choose this blender haha. I’m not even joking. I was so afraid of the price. So, instead, I purchased two other blenders in those 3 years that, low and behold, BROKE. The plant based lifestyle will wreak havoc on most blenders so you must choose a high quality one with a WARRANTY. The Explorian is one of the most inexpensive vitamix options but it still works great. I use it multiple times a day, every single day, and all of the recipes are from this beauty! Check out deals around Black Friday – you can usually snag one of these for under 200USD. For my European followers: Get ready to pay MORE than North America. I’m not sure why, but vitamix in Europe is double the price (which is actually more than double because we pay in euros/pounds/etc).

 

Blendtec Classic Fit Blender

• I have never owned a Blendtec, but I did live with someone who had one and it was pretty amazing. Never understood why it didn’t come with a tamper (?) but it does work beautifully. I am pretty biased with my years of experience with the vitamix over the Blendtec, but the price point is fantastic and there are TONS of videos out there comparing the two.

 

Nutri Ninja

• I had a Ninja blender for years and years before I found the plant based lifestyle (or it found me). Prior to going plant based, I loved to make smoothies on a daily basis (still do today!). However, my smoothies were much *kinder* to the blender than today. While having owned both, I could just (and never would) compare a Ninja to a Vitamix – the difference is staggering. However, if you are just looking to blend up some oats, make light smoothies, or create epic dressings? Then go ahead and choose this one!

 

Looking to lower your waste while prepping? Check these out!

Compostable & Unbleached Parchment Paper

The parchment paper by “If You Care” is unbleached, chlorine free, and compostable. I have used this up to the highest oven setting without any issues! Paper, in it’s natural state is beige or light brown. For years people have subjected it to a bleaching process to create the white sheets we all know and love. Unfortunately, cleaning the paper is having the opposite effect on the environment. The most common bleaching agent – chlorine dioxide (ClO2) – occurs naturally as a component of salt, but once it separates from it’s natural pair it begins to cause problems. The paper bleaching process deposits chlorine in the lakes and streams where mills are most commonly located, and once there it bonds with organic matter in the form of dioxins. Dioxins are a group of highly toxic chemicals that are thought to pose negative effects on reproductive and immune system development, as well as cause several kinds of cancers. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there is no safe level of dioxin exposure.

Vonuva Plant Based Wax Wraps

Reusable. Compostable. Cruelty-Free! Each wrap is made of unbleached certified organic cotton cloth infused with all-natural candelilla wax, pine resin, a pinch of soy wax and organic coconut oil.

Plastic-Free Glass Containers

Plastic Free. Sustainable. Non-toxic. The bamboo lids are strong, durable and beautiful. They’re plastic free, BPA free, phthalate free, biodegradable and recyclable! They also double as portable cutting boards!

Find more healthy vegan recipes like this amazing pesto when you join The WonderMamas Meal Plan Membership!

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Check out our meal plans here!