Vegan wild garlic pesto pasta

Fresh, vibrant, and full of bold green flavor, this Vegan Wild Garlic Pesto Pasta is the ultimate springtime comfort dish. Made with seasonal wild garlic, creamy nuts, and olive oil, it’s a quick and easy meal that tastes gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a plant-based pro or just pesto curious, this dish is light, garlicky, and utterly satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Totally Vegan – No cheese, no cream—just natural goodness
Seasonal & Fresh – Highlights wild garlic at its best
Quick Weeknight Dinner – Ready in less than 30 minutes
Rich in Nutrients – Packed with greens, healthy fats, and fiber
Customizable – Use your favorite pasta and nuts

Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 2–3)

For the Pasta:
250 g pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or linguine work well)
Salted water for boiling

For the Wild Garlic Pesto:
50 g wild garlic (ramsons), rinsed and roughly chopped
30 g walnuts, pine nuts, or cashews (lightly toasted if preferred)
3 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
½ lemon, juiced
60 ml (¼ cup) extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp water (optional, to loosen if needed)

Optional Toppings & Add-Ins:
Cherry tomatoes (fresh or roasted)
Vegan parmesan or extra nutritional yeast
Toasted seeds or nuts
Fresh arugula or spinach for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Food processor or blender
Large pot
Colander
Wooden spoon or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Make the Wild Garlic Pesto
In a food processor, combine wild garlic, nuts, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pulse a few times, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until smooth.
If needed, add 1–2 tbsp water or reserved pasta water to thin it to your preferred consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Pesto
Return the drained pasta to the warm pot (off the heat).
Add the pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water.
Toss well until the pasta is coated in creamy green goodness.

Step 4: Serve
Divide into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes—roasted cherry tomatoes, vegan cheese, or extra nuts.
Serve warm, or enjoy cold as a pasta salad the next day!

Tips for the Best Vegan Pesto Pasta
Use fresh, young wild garlic – It’s milder and sweeter
Toast your nuts – Adds depth and enhances flavor
Save that pasta water – Helps make the sauce silky
Don’t overblend – Pesto is best slightly textured, not too smooth
Add veggies – Roasted zucchini, asparagus, or peas make it a meal

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – For extra garlicky goodness
With Roasted Veggies – A colorful and healthy dinner
As a Side Dish – To grilled tofu or veggie burgers
In a Bowl – With quinoa, chickpeas, and greens
As a Cold Lunch – Perfect for picnics or work lunches

Storage & Meal Prep

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Pesto can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months

Reheating:
Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil
Also delicious served cold or at room temperature

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another green instead of wild garlic?
Yes! Try arugula, spinach, basil, or a mix—just add a clove of garlic for that signature flavor.

What’s a good nut-free alternative?
Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?
It adds a cheesy flavor, but you can skip it or use a vegan cheese alternative.

What kind of pasta works best?
Any! Long noodles like linguine or spaghetti are classic, but shells or penne work too.

Can I freeze the pesto?
Absolutely—freeze in small portions using an ice cube tray for easy use later.

Final Thoughts
This Vegan Wild Garlic Pesto Pasta is simple, delicious, and full of natural flavor. It’s a spring favorite that’s easy to customize and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a picnic-ready lunch. Whether warm or cold, creamy or nutty, it’s a garlicky green bowl of plant-based joy.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Cuisine: Vegan / European Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 11g | Carbohydrates: 46g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 190mg

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