Vegan Sunflower Seed Cilantro Pesto Pasta Recipe

This Vegan Sunflower Seed Cilantro Pesto Pasta Recipe will surely satisfy your cravings. Using fresh cilantro is a great substitute for fresh basil. This vegan pesto delightful dish brings together the rich nuttiness of sunflower seeds, the fresh essence of cilantro, and a zesty hint of lime juice. Cilantro and lemons adds a burst of unique flavors, creating a perfect harmony on your plate. Whether you're a vegan enthusiast or simply looking for a new and delicious pasta recipe, this Vegan Cilantro Pesto Pasta is bound to become a favorite, it can also be a raw dip. Let your taste buds savor the fusion of nutty, herby, and citrusy notes in this wholesome and flavorful dish.

Why You'll Love This

1. Versatile and Easy: This flavorful little sauce is versatile, allowing you to experiment with different pasta shapes and styles. Additionally, plant based pestos like this can be used in various culinary creations beyond pasta, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.
2. Quick and Effortless: With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, this dish is perfect for busy days when you crave a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
3. Health-Conscious Choice: The use of wholesome ingredients like sunflower seeds, cilantro, and lime juice adds a health-conscious touch to your meal. It's a balance of taste and nutrition in every forkful.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Storage
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing

Ingredients

• Sunflower Seeds: Nutty and crunchy seeds that add texture and a rich source of healthy fats and protein to dishes.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil brings a luscious and smooth texture to recipes, enhancing flavors with its distinct, fruity notes.
• Cilantro: A fresh and aromatic herb that adds a burst of flavor to dishes, especially popular in various cuisines for its bright and citrusy profile.
• Vegan Stock: A plant-based alternative to traditional broth, vegan stock provides a savory base for soups, stews, and other recipes.
• Broccoli: A nutritious cruciferous vegetable known for its vibrant green color and high vitamin and fiber content.
• Cauliflower: Another cruciferous vegetable with a mild flavor, cauliflower is versatile and can be used in various dishes as a low-carb alternative.
• Pasta: A staple in many cuisines, pasta comes in various shapes and sizes, providing a versatile base for countless dishes.
• Vegan Protein: This can include a variety of plant-based protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, legumes, or plant-based protein powder, offering a meatless protein boost.
• Aromatics; Onions and Garlic.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta:
   • Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare Vegetables and Vegan Protein:
   • Cut broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
   • Cook or sauté Onions and garlic and the vegan protein of your choice until golden or cooked through.
3. Make Sunflower Seed Cilantro Pesto:
   • In a food processor, blitz sunflower seeds, cilantro, a splash of vegan stock, olive oil, and any desired seasonings until you achieve a smooth pesto consistency.
   • Optionally, add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large pan, heat olive oil. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets, sauté until slightly tender but still vibrant.
   • Add the cooked pasta, vegan protein, and the sunflower seed cilantro pesto to the pan. Toss everything together until well coated.
5. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness.
6. Serve:
   • Plate the Vegan Sunflower Seed Cilantro Pesto Pasta, ensuring an even distribution of vegetables and protein. Optionally, garnish with additional cilantro or nutritional yeast.
7. Enjoy:
   • Dive into a flavorful and nutritious meal that combines the nutty richness of sunflower seeds, the freshness of cilantro, and the wholesome goodness of broccoli and cauliflower.

This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, providing a satisfying and wholesome vegan dining experience.

Substitutions

1. Pasta:
   • Substitutes: Whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles (zoodles), or any preferred pasta alternative.
2. Broccoli and Cauliflower:
   • Substitutes: Asparagus, green beans, peas, or any other favorite vegetables.
3. Vegan Protein:
   • Substitutes: Tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, black beans, or any other plant-based protein source you enjoy.
4. Sunflower Seeds:
   • Substitutes: Pumpkin seeds (pepitas), pine nuts, almonds, or cashews for a different nutty flavor.
5. Cilantro:
   • Substitutes: Parsley, basil, or a combination of fresh herbs for a different herbaceous profile.
6. Vegan Stock:
   • Substitutes: Vegetable broth, water with a dash of soy sauce or tamari for added umami, or any preferred plant-based broth.
7. Olive Oil:
   • Substitutes: Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or any other preferred cooking oil.
8. Nutritional Yeast:
   • Substitutes: Vegan Parmesan cheese, miso paste, or simply omit if unavailable.

Feel free to mix and match these substitutions based on your taste preferences or dietary requirements. Adjust quantities accordingly and enjoy your customized Vegan Sunflower Seed Cilantro Pesto Pasta!

Variations

1. Mediterranean Twist:
   • Add kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and artichoke hearts to the pasta. Top with a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
2. Spicy Kick:
   • Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the pesto for a spicy kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
3. Creamy Upgrade:
   • Mix in coconut milk or cashew cream to the pesto for a creamy texture. This adds a luxurious touch to the dish.
4. Grilled Veggie Delight:
   • Grill the broccoli and cauliflower for a smoky flavor. Charred vegetables add depth to the dish. Grill some extra veggies for garnish.
5. Protein Boost:
   • Marinate and grill tempeh or tofu with your favorite spices before adding them to the pasta. This enhances the protein content and adds a savory element.
6. Citrus Infusion:
   • Zest some lemon or orange peel into the pesto for a citrusy twist. The bright citrus notes complement the nutty richness of the sunflower seeds.
7. Pesto with Greens:
   • Mix in a handful of spinach or arugula with the cilantro when making the pesto. This adds an extra layer of freshness and a peppery kick.
8. Roasted Garlic Elegance:
   • Roast garlic cloves and blend them into the pesto. Roasted garlic brings a sweet and mellow flavor that pairs well with the nuttiness of sunflower seeds.
9. Herb Fusion:
   • Combine cilantro with other fresh herbs like basil or mint to create a multi-dimensional pesto with diverse herbal notes.
10. Sundried Tomato Surprise:
    • Add finely chopped sundried tomatoes to the pesto for a sweet and tangy twist. Their concentrated flavor complements the other ingredients.

Feel free to experiment with these variations or combine multiple ideas to create a unique and personalized Vegan Sunflower Seed Cilantro Pesto Pasta tailored to your taste preferences!

Storage

1. Cooked Pasta:
   • Store cooked pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
   • To prevent sticking, toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil before refrigerating.
2. Vegetables (Broccoli and Cauliflower):
   • Store cooked broccoli and cauliflower in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
   • Ensure they are completely cooled before refrigerating.
3. Vegan Protein (Tofu, Tempeh, Legumes):
   • Store any leftover vegan protein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
   • If using legumes, ensure they are stored in a liquid (such as their cooking liquid) to maintain moisture.
4. Sunflower Seed Cilantro Pesto:
   • Store the pesto in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
   • For longer storage, consider freezing the pesto. Portion it into ice cube trays and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

General Tips:

• Allow components to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation.
• Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the pesto in advance?

• A1: Absolutely! The pesto can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Q2: Can I use different vegetables in the pasta?

• A2: Yes, you can customize the dish with your favorite vegetables. Consider options like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach for variety.

Q3: What can I use instead of sunflower seeds for the pesto?

• A3: Pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, or almonds can be excellent substitutes for sunflower seeds, offering different flavors and textures.

Q4: Is nutritional yeast necessary for the pesto?

• A4: While nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, it's optional. You can omit it or use vegan Parmesan cheese for a similar effect.

Q5: Can I make the pasta gluten-free?

• A5: Certainly! Choose gluten-free pasta or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a gluten-free option.

Q6: How do I reheat leftovers?

• A6: Reheat pasta by lightly sautéing in a pan with a splash of water or vegetable broth. This helps retain the pasta's texture.

Q7: Can I make this dish without vegan protein?

• A7: Absolutely! The dish is versatile, and you can skip the vegan protein or substitute it with your preferred plant-based option.

Q8: How long does the assembled dish last in the refrigerator?

• A8: The assembled dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For longer storage, consider storing pasta and pesto separately.

Q9: Can I make this recipe nut-free?

• A9: Yes, you can make it nut-free by choosing seeds like pumpkin seeds or pine nuts instead of sunflower seeds and omitting any other nuts.

Q10: Can I freeze the entire dish?

• A10: Freezing the entire assembled dish may affect the texture of the pasta. Consider freezing individual components separately for better results.

Feel free to adapt the recipe and instructions based on your preferences and dietary requirements!

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Pairing

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