Description
Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Vegan Wild Garlic Pesto Pasta is the ultimate springtime dish! Wild garlic adds a unique, punchy taste to the pesto, perfectly coating every strand of pasta in a rich, green, garlicky sauce. It’s plant-based, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.
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Ingredients
For the Wild Garlic Pesto:
2 cups fresh wild garlic leaves (washed and dried)
½ cup raw cashews (or pine nuts or walnuts)
¼ cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
1 small garlic clove
1 tbsp lemon juice (plus more to taste)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Pasta:
12 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work well)
Salt for boiling water
¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to loosen sauce)
Optional Garnishes:
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Toasted breadcrumbs
Lemon zest
Fresh basil or wild garlic flowers
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
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Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Wild Garlic Pesto
4. In a food processor or blender, combine wild garlic, cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Pulse several times to break everything down.
6. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth but still textured.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning or lemon juice to your liking.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Pesto
8. Return the drained pasta to the warm pot or place in a large mixing bowl.
9. Add the pesto and toss until evenly coated.
10. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
11. Plate the pasta and top with your favorite garnishes like cherry tomatoes, toasted breadcrumbs, or lemon zest.
12. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
Use Fresh Wild Garlic – Peak season is spring; leaves should be tender and fragrant.
Blend in Batches – If your blender is small, process the pesto in two rounds.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Al dente holds the sauce better and keeps texture.
Save That Pasta Water – It helps make the sauce creamy and clingy.
Taste as You Go – Pesto flavors vary with the wild garlic, so adjust as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Use Fresh Wild Garlic – Peak season is spring; leaves should be tender and fragrant. Blend in Batches – If your blender is small, process the pesto in two rounds. Don’t Overcook Pasta – Al dente holds the sauce better and keeps texture. Save That Pasta Water – It helps make the sauce creamy and clingy. Taste as You Go – Pesto flavors vary with the wild garlic, so adjust as needed.