If your pasta is bored and needs a little pesto change then this vegan asparagus pesto is the perfect fresh and flavorful topping to take things up a notch! Bursting with flavor and so easy to make.
Who's ready for some spring?! I AM!!! I know some of you reading this are still wearing cozy sweaters and dealing with bad weather, and I hope you don't hate me, but here is Southern California warm weather is happening more than it's not and I see a glimpse of summer on the horizon.
I get a little pep in my step at this time of year, and the creativity reaches an all time high. Currently, I am obsessed with asparagus. It's such a fresh, easy to use and delicious spring veggie!
You can go as simple as roasting it (try my recipe for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and sub asparagus instead) or even throw it in some pasta. But this asparagus pesto is my new favorite way to use it! It's super easy and a great way to get in those veggies.
Drizzle with maple balsamic reduction for the ultimate flavor!
Asparagus Pesto Just Screams Spring
Spring to me not only means amazing fresh recipes like this asparagus pesto, but it means time to clean up my act a bit to prepare for tank tops, bathing suits and beach days.
Spending long lazy days at the beach with my boys is my absolute favorite activity. April marks the beginning of this change in season, and gives us that itch to not only clean up our diets but our bodies and life in general.
You'll always see piles start this time of year of all we are giving away, from toys to clothes, books, kitchen supplies. The list is endless. Purging makes me feel SO good!
I get my boys involved and have them pick toys they don't use as much anymore to give to kids less fortunate. They actually love it and it melts my heart to see them fill up their bags and proclaim that some kids will be so happy to get toys. Cleaning yourself and life from the inside out is the perfect way to kickstart this season!
Spring is here and it's not waiting! Grab a blender, a bunch of asparagus and make yourself this vegan asparagus pesto! I'd love to hear from you so don't forget to leave me a comment here, find me on Instagram (tag me at veggiesdontbite AND #veggiesdontbite so I don’t miss it) or on Facebook!
And if you love what you see and aren’t subscribed to my blog, then head to my subscribe box and enter your email. That way you’ll never miss a post or any other fun things I send your way! I will be starting a series of subscriber only recipes, so you definitely don't want to miss those!
More Pasta Recipes You Might Like;
- High protein Mexican fajita pasta
- Roasted butternut squash and spinach pasta
- Roasted veggies and pasta
- Creamy vegan mushroom orzo with mushrooms and peas
- Vegan stuffed shells with cauliflower ricotta
Asparagus Pesto with Pistachios and Balsamic Reduction Drizzle (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus ends trimmed off (about a pound)
- ½ cup flat leaf parsley
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios see note, plus a few more for optional garnish (crush these)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice plus a pinch of zest for optional garnish
- 1 tablespoon veggie broth ,low sodium if needed
- 2 garlic cloves medium, about 1 inch long
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt adjust to your liking
- 24 ounces of your favorite pastaBalsamic maple reduction optional:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
Instructions
- Wash and trim asparagus. Cut into 2-3 inch pieces. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and cook asparagus for about 2-3 minutes, depending on how cooked you want it.
- I like mine al dente. Start checking at 2 minutes. Once it’s reached your preferred level of doneness, strain and rinse in cold water to stop it from cooking longer.
- Put the asparagus along with all other ingredients, except for the pasta, into a food processor or blender. Pulse until everything is finely chopped or pureed, depending on how you want it. I like it a tad chunky.
- Cook pasta according to package directions, reserving some pasta water if you want to thin out the pesto.
- While the pasta is cooking make balsamic reduction by adding everything to a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer and cook for about 9 minutes stirring every few minutes. Remove from heat and pour into a glass container.
- Once pasta is done, drain and put it back into the pot. Add in the desired amount of pesto. Mix well.
- You can add some reserved pasta water to thin out if you prefer. Serve on plates with a drizzle of the balsamic reduction and sprinkle of crushed pistachios and lemon zest.
Notes
- You can use roasted or raw pistachios, although raw shelled are harder to find.
- If you don’t have veggie broth, you can sub in water but the broth adds a touch of flavor.
- The balsamic reduction is optional for an added layer of flavor to this dish, I highly recommend it as it only takes a few minutes to make.
- Tips to prep ahead: Make pesto and balsamic reduction.
- Baby/kid food idea: Make sure pesto is fully blended without any chunks. Cook pasta until well done and serve for older baby. For younger baby you can blend pasta in with the pesto.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Mandy
WHOA!!! That shot from the top looking down on that beautiful mound of deliciousness is calling to me! And asparagus pesto?!! I LOVE asparagus and I love pesto so obviously this needs to be made asap! Looks amazing, Sophia! We just did the same last week...started big into the spring cleaning inside and out. Our garage has piles of clothes, books, and randomness to be donated - feels so good to let go of the things we don't use or need anymore. We also just finished a five day raw food "cleanse" where we did only smoothies and salads to get our systems back on track. I really need to check out this skincare line because it sounds wonderful - I have ultra sensitive skin, so I'm pretty picky with what I put on it. Thanks for sharing! xo
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Mandy! It was a giant pile of yum for sure!! Doesn't spring cleaning feel amazing? Love that you did the raw food for 5 days. I'm thinking of doing something similar before my big trip next month, not sure if I can though with all I work out. Carbs are my fave, and I'm talking pasta and bread. LOL! OSEA has awesome sensitive skin products! The cleansing milk I hear is amazing. You should look online at the sensitive skin line and get in touch. They are SO helpful!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes
Asparagus pesto sounds so so so so so good! That balsamic reduction just puts this recipe over the edge. Wonderful recipe, Sophia!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Vanessa!! I love balsamic reduction!
Manju | Cooking Curries
Asparagus Pesto and Pea Pesto are my favorite kinds, not a big fan of the basil pesto! These look good!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much! Pea sounds delicious too!!
Nicole Dawson
Sophia, just another wonderful looking dish you created and a fun spin on pesto. I like to do a cleanse every quarter, with the beginning of a new season. Thankfully, all the fresh fruits and veggies that pop up during the Spring, make eating more of them so much easier.
veggiesdontbite
Awe, thanks! You're too kind!! Great way to kickstart spring!
Howie Fox
Oh wow!! Sophia, this looks everything else but boring!! An awesome way to eat some more asparagus (in a delish fashion!!). Pistachios are sooo good too! 😀
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Howie!! I love pistachios too! They go great with asparagus!
Sina @ Vegan Heaven
Just perfect for spring, Sophia! 🙂 I LOVE asparagus!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Sina!! Me too!
Alisa Fleming
Now that is an amazing pile of pasta! I've never thought to use balsamic as a star with noodles, but can just imagine how awesome this tastes, especially with the asparagus!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you Alisa! The reduction is just an added optional drizzle but it pairs so well with the asparagus!!