The sunshine is finally back here in Manchester so I wanted to share a quick, light lunch you can enjoy in the garden. It takes no more than 15 minutes to make and is light and bright…. Just what you need! The pesto is wholefood and oil free and I prefer to make it with wholemeal pasta but this pesto will bring any pasta to life. Happy cooking everyone and don’t forget to add a pinch of kindness to make every meal special.
If you make my black garlic and basil pesto pasta please tag @pinchofkindness or use #pinchofkindness on Facebook & Instagram. I love seeing your beautiful creations.
Basil Pesto Pasta

A fresh, light, Italian-inspired pasta recipe.
Credit: @pinchofkindness
Ingredients
- 50g fresh basil
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 30g pine nuts plus extra for decoration
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 4 tbsp water
- 1 avocado
- ½ tsp salt
- Juice of ¼ of lemon
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 200g spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- 200g of heritage tomatoes
- Pinch of kindness
Directions
- Cook spaghetti/pasta as directed on the packet.
- While the pasta is cooking, add all of the pesto ingredients into a small food processor and blend into a paste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and add the pesto to the pan. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the silky pesto.
- Finally, add the pasta to a bowl, top with chopped heritage tomatoes and sprinkle with pine nuts.
What’s nutritional yeast? and where can this be bought please? please could to add wheres best to buy the best ingredients used ? Thank you xxx
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Nutritional yeast is yeast flakes that have a cheesey taste. I use the brand ‘Engevita’ with added B12. You can get it from most health food shops and will be able to get it online. The ethical superstore is a great online option if your local shops don’t supply the things you need. I am lucky to have local Co-operative shops that stock a wide range of vegan products and local produce. Maybe see if you have any near you? It’s great to support local business if you have the chance.
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Love this! Quick & Easy for the Summer. Not a big fan of avocado, what can I sub? Or can I just omit it?
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Hi Colleen!
I used the avocado instead of oil so you could always omit the avo and add a good drizzle of olive oil.
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