Pumpkin seed pesto has become my secret weapon for quick, colorful dinners. The first time I made it, my blender nearly flew off the counter—apparently, blending roasted seeds is not for the faint of heart! However, the nutty aroma that filled my kitchen made the chaos completely worth it.
Sometimes, I just need a sauce that feels like fall but tastes fresh enough for any season. This pesto fits the bill whether you’re topping pasta, spreading it on toast, or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar. Also, it’s a lifesaver when you’re craving something healthy but don’t want to fuss with complicated steps.
Honestly, I love how pumpkin seed pesto brings a little whimsy to my weeknight table. It’s the kind of recipe you fall for after one taste—messy kitchen and all.
Personal Anecdote
First, let me admit: my adventures with pumpkin seed pesto began as a total experiment. I’d just roasted a batch of seeds for snacking, but then got distracted by the mountain of basil wilting in my fridge. So, I tossed everything into my food processor and hoped for the best. The result? A vibrant, nutty sauce that made my plain spaghetti do a happy dance.
Honestly, I’ve had more than one kitchen oops with this recipe—like forgetting to put the lid on tight or adding way too much lemon juice (hello, tangy surprise!). Still, this pesto has rescued many uninspired dinners. If you love sauces, dips & spreads that come together in one bowl, you’ll understand the magic.
Why This Recipe is Special
However, what really makes pumpkin seed pesto shine is its versatility. It’s naturally dairy-free, so it fits right in with Vegan Pumpkin Seeds recipes and Healthy Vegan Sauces for anyone looking to skip the cheese without losing flavor. Also, you can swap the oil for aquafaba if you’re after Seed Oil Free Recipes—something my plant-based friends always appreciate.
Then, there’s the fun of using it as a Pumpkin Seed Dressing for salad or drizzling over roasted veggies. If you’re stuck in a dinner rut, try pairing it with these Best Easy Chicken Piccata Meatballs Family Approved Dinner Recipe (link) or spoon it over a cozy bowl like this Best Easy Mississippi Chicken Recipe For A Cozy Family Dinner (link). Finally, whether you’re looking for What To Make With Pumpkin Seeds or hunting for new Vegan Pasta Dinner Recipes, this pesto is a superfood pasta upgrade that never fails to impress.
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roasted pumpkin seeds | 1 cup |
| Fresh basil | 2 cups |
| Fresh parsley | 1 cup |
| Garlic cloves | 4 |
| Nutritional yeast | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Fresh lemon juice | ¼ cup |
| Olive oil or water or aquafaba | ½ cup |
| Salt | to taste |
Utensils and substitutions
First, you’ll want a trusty food processor for your pumpkin seed pesto adventure. I find a spatula is handy too, especially for scraping down the sides so every bit blends up nicely. If you’re like me and love a creamy texture, you can stick with olive oil, but for seed oil free recipes, water or aquafaba work beautifully. Sometimes I use aquafaba for extra fluffiness!
Also, don’t worry if you’re out of parsley or basil. You can swap in other fresh greens like cilantro or even arugula for a peppery twist. For those exploring or dreaming up a pumpkin seed dressing, this base is so adaptable. I even love to drizzle it over flatbread, like in my Best Easy Mediterranean Flatbread Pizza Quick Healthy Lunch Idea recipe.
However, if you’re looking for meal inspiration, this pesto is a winner in vegan pasta dinner recipes. I sometimes toss it with roasted veggies or use it as a spread for superfood pasta salads. You can always check out my Best Creamy Ranch Chicken Dinner Easy Kid Friendly Family Approved for more weeknight ideas. Finally, if you’re curious about healthy swaps or nutrition, nutrition.gov has some great tips for building nourishing sauces at home.
Step-by-step method for a pumpkin seed pesto
Step 1
First, gather all your ingredients: 1 cup roasted pumpkin seeds, 2 cups fresh basil, 1 cup fresh parsley, 4 garlic cloves, 1 ½ tablespoons nutritional yeast, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, ½ cup olive oil (or water or aquafaba), and a bit of salt. If you like, toast your pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and aromatic—this really boosts the flavor for Vegan Pumpkin Seeds fans.
Step 2
Next, add the pumpkin seeds, basil, parsley, garlic, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice to a food processor. Begin blending, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube. Afterward, pour in up to ½ cup of water to help everything blend smoothly. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides as you go, so nothing gets left behind.
Step 3
Now, check the texture. If you want a creamier pumpkin seed pesto, add a bit more olive oil and less water. For a lighter version, use more water or aquafaba instead of oil—perfect for those following Seed Oil Free Recipes. Finally, season with salt and extra lemon juice to taste. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips and tricks to make this Sauces, Dips & Spreads recipe shine
When making pumpkin seed pesto, always taste as you go—sometimes the lemon is just a little too shy, or the salt needs a pinch more. Also, don’t be afraid to swap in other fresh greens if you’re low on basil or parsley. This pesto is fantastic as a spread for sandwiches, a topping for burrito bowls, or stirred into pasta for a quick Vegan Pasta Dinner Recipes. If you’re hunting for more hearty dinner ideas, try pairing this sauce with merry me chicken pasta. Finally, remember that Healthy Vegan Sauces like this can be customized endlessly—toss in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers for a twist. Even if you make a little mess, that’s all part of the fun in the kitchen!
What to serve with this Sauces, Dips & Spreads recipe
First, pumpkin seed pesto shines as a topping for roasted veggies, making it a go-to for anyone searching for Vegan Pumpkin Seeds recipes. Next, swirl it into your favorite pasta for a quick, protein-packed Vegan Pasta Dinner Recipes option. Also, spread it on warm toast or dollop it over grain bowls for a superfood boost—perfect for those looking for Superfood Pasta ideas. Want to try it with a main dish? It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean flavors, just like in our Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata. If you’re in the mood for something cozy, spoon it over the Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken for a fresh twist. Finally, use this pesto as a Pumpkin Seed Dressing for salads or as a dip for crunchy raw veggies—great for snack boards or light lunch spreads.
How to store and reheat
Storing pumpkin seed pesto is a breeze. Simply scoop it into a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Also, if you want to keep it longer, freeze it in small portions for up to 3 months. To thaw, just move it to the fridge overnight or place the container in a bowl of warm water for a gentle defrost. There’s no need to reheat—just stir and enjoy! If it thickens, add a splash of olive oil or water and mix until smooth again. This makes it perfect for meal prep and quick, healthy vegan sauces all week long.
FAQ
Is pumpkin seed pesto suitable for vegans?
Yes! Most recipes are dairy-free and use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, making them perfect Vegan Pumpkin Seed Recipes for plant-based eaters.
Can I use other seeds or nuts?
Absolutely. Sunflower seeds or cashews work well, but pumpkin seeds keep it nut-free and boost nutrition.
How can I use pumpkin seed pesto beyond pasta?
Besides pasta, it’s amazing as a sandwich spread, pizza sauce, or a dip with crackers and veggies. Try it as a base for Pesto Vegetarian Recipes too!
Is this recipe oil-free?
You can make it oil-free by swapping in water or extra lemon juice for a Seed Oil Free Recipes version.
What to make with pumpkin seeds besides pesto?
Try roasting them for snacks, blending into smoothies, or baking into granola bars. There are so many ideas if you wonder What To Make With Pumpkin Seeds !
Print
Pumpkin Seed Pesto
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Pumpkin seed pesto is a flavorful and nutritious vegan sauce made with roasted pumpkin seeds, fresh herbs, and garlic. It can be used as a spread, dip, or pasta sauce.
Ingredients
1 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
2 cups fresh basil
1 cup fresh parsley
4 garlic cloves
1 ½ tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional but recommended)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup olive oil or water or aquafaba
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Place the pumpkin seeds, basil, parsley, garlic, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor.
2. Begin blending and slowly drizzle the olive oil through the feed tube on top, followed by ½ cup of water.
3. Blend until the mixture is mostly smooth.
4. Adjust the amount of water and olive oil to achieve your desired consistency.
5. Season with salt and add more lemon juice to taste.
Notes
For an oil-free version, substitute the olive oil with water or aquafaba.
Roasted pumpkin seeds have a richer, nuttier flavor than raw seeds; roast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
Scrape down the sides of the food processor occasionally to incorporate all ingredients.
For a creamier pesto, increase olive oil and reduce water.
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Food Processor Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 0
So there you have it—pumpkin seed pesto is a cozy kitchen staple that brings so much flavor to your meals. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta for a quick dinner or spreading it on toast for a snack, it’s such a versatile recipe. If you’re feeling inspired, you might enjoy our Easy Dump Go Marry Me Chicken or explore more Mediterranean ideas with Best Easy Mediterranean Chicken Piccata. For more Sauces, Dips & Spreads, and inspiration for every Meal Type—Breakfast, Dinner, Snack, and beyond—don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest. Thanks for hanging out in my kitchen today. Can’t wait to see what you whip up next!