This Easy Tofu Pesto Sauce is a thick and creamy plant-based pesto and full of plant protein. It is thick enough to serve as a dip, yet still incredibly delicious on pasta. Plant-based and oil-free.
Lately I have been focusing on adding more protein to my diet. And one of my favorite ways to do that is by using high-protein foods in creative ways (helloo tofu chocolate mousse!)
This tofu pesto sauce is another one of those sneaky recipes. Tofu is so high in protein (9g per 3oz serving) and you can't even taste it in the pesto - you just taste that amazing fresh basil flavor!
The tofu creates an incredibly thick and creamy texture for this pesto sauce. It's so deliciously thick that you could even serve it as a dip.
This tofu pesto sauce is also delicious on pasta. And bonus points if you use a bean-based pasta for even more protein!
Jump to:
Why I love this Tofu Pesto Sauce
- Plant-based & dairy-free - most pesto recipes call for parmesan cheese and some sort of oil to create a smooth paste. But you don't need either of those for a delicious pesto!
- Packed with protein - tofu is loaded with plant-based protein, so you're secretly filling up your plate with protein!
- Fresh and summery - basil is in season during the summer, and it's bright, minty, peppery flavor makes any dish light and zesty
- So quick and easy - it literally takes 5 minutes to make pesto. Once you have your pesto, you just need the time to cook your pasta. Aaaand, dinner is done!
- Dietary needs - besides being vegan and oil-free, this pesto is also naturally gluten-free and totally sugar-free
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Fresh Basil: fresh basil is key for pesto. Buy the basil right before you'd like to use it to avoid it going bad. If you do buy it several days ahead of time, take it out of the package and place the stems in a glass of water to stay fresh.
- Extra Firm Tofu: I like extra firm tofu in this recipe because it creates an ultra creamy pesto. You could also use silken tofu, which would create a thinner consistency
- Nutritional Yeast: nutritional yeast is a yellow yeast that has a cheesy flavor. It's the perfect substitute for cheese in many vegan recipes, like this pesto.
- Pine Nuts: pine nuts are typically used in pesto and are known for their nutty, sweet flavor. You could use raw cashews as a sub.
- Garlic: garlic adds a nice brightness to the pesto. Garlic powder can work as a sub.
- Lemon Juice: fresh juice is best! You could use lime juice as a sub
- Salt & Pepper
How to make Tofu Pesto Sauce
Step 1. Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth.
Step 2. Serve as a dip or with your favorite pasta.
Expert Tips & FAQ
Try my creamy vegan pesto spaghetti squash with roasted tomatoes and zucchini! It's a fresh summer recipe loaded with veggies.
If you can't eat pine nuts or other nuts (like almonds or cashews - great in pesto!), use an equivalent amount of sunflower seeds instead.
Use a bit of spinach as a sub. A few leaves of spinach won't affect the taste much and can provide some bulk if you're missing the basil.
Basil is a delicate herb that turns brown easily. So be sure to store this pesto in an air tight container and consider covering the top directly with plastic wrap.
When reheating leftovers, give the pesto a stir before using, as the ingredients may have separated slightly.
Recommended Tools
- This is the food processor I have
- My favorite mixing bowls to toss the pesto with your pasta
Recipe Prayer
Thank you God for fresh summer foods. Thank you for this quick and easy pesto that fuels our bodies. Help us to enjoy this food. Amen.
More Pesto Recipes
Looking for more plant-based pesto recipes? Try these next:
Tried this recipe?
Please leave a review in the comments section below and post on Instagram tagging me @elizabeths_table. You can also stay in touch with me on social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok or by subscribing to my newsletter.
📖 Recipe
Easy Tofu Pesto Sauce (High Protein)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Packed Fresh Basil
- 1 14 Ounce Package Extra Firm Tofu, drained
- ⅓ Cup Nutritional Yeast
- ¼ Cup Pine Nuts
- 2 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Serve as a dip or with your favorite pasta.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Natalie
Super yummy! I used silken firm tofu and milk to thin it out!! I will definitely make again and you cannot taste the tofu! 🙂
Elizabeth
Amazing! So glad you enjoyed it. And yes, the tofu is totally hidden. A win win 🙂
Anonymous
Yum! This one's a keeper.
I was looking for a tofu pesto recipe after looking at the ingredients of a new vegan pesto that's in stores. This recipe isn't oily like that one and you get a lot more this way while producing less trash. It's also filling and has more protein.
I eat it with shirataki noodles for a light meal. Thanks for the recipe! =}
Elizabeth
Yes! My thoughts exactly! Love the idea of serving with shirataki noodles - sounds delicious!
Andrea
This is exactly what I was looking for as I love pesto, but am trying to cut back on oil while also increasing my protein intake! Do you know how many batches of sauce I should make for a 16oz package of angel hair pasta? Thank you!
Elizabeth
Hi Andrea - so glad to hear that this pesto is what you are looking for! This was exactly my intention when making it: more protein! This recipe makes enough for a light (but still plenty flavorful) coating for 16 ounces of pasta. You could definitely double the amount of pesto to make a more thick and creamy sauce.
Kate
Super yummy and easy to make!
Elizabeth
Thanks for the kind review, Kate!
Anne Dries
Great idea and nice recipe! I found I had to add olive oil it was too thick what am I doing wrong?? Thanks!
Elizabeth
Hi Anne - what kind of tofu were you using? (brand and firmness). It may have to do with the tofu. How thick did it end up? Was your blender having trouble blending it? That said, this is definitely a thick sauce, almost like a dip, rather than a traditional pesto. I do have several regular pesto recipes that don't puree tofu - like the one I used in my easy pesto tofu if you are looking for a thinner option. Let me know, happy to help troubleshoot!