Creamy Basil Pesto with Tofu

Ingredients
Basil (Creamy Basil Pesto), Silken Tofu (Creamy Basil Pesto), Cashews (Creamy Basil Pesto), Garlic Powder (Creamy Basil Pesto), Salt (Creamy Basil Pesto), Olive Oil (Creamy Basil Pesto), Almond Milk (Creamy Basil Pesto), Green Beans (Vegetables), Cherry Tomatos (Vegetables), Onion Powder (Vegetables), Garlic Powder (Vegetables), Salt (Vegetables), Pepper (Vegetables), Tofu (Crispy Tofu), Olive Oil (Crispy Tofu), Nutritional Yeast (Crispy Tofu), Garlic Powder (Crispy Tofu), Onion Powder (Crispy Tofu), Paprika Powder (Crispy Tofu), Salt (Crispy Tofu), Black Pepper (Crispy Tofu), Juice of Lime or Lemon (Creamy Basil Pesto)
Prep Time
20 min
posted by
Deana
Servings
4
Dish
Main course
Carbohydrates
~20 g
Total Time
50 min
Category
Comfort Food
Cook Time
30 min
Fat
~24 g
Diet
vegan, gluten-free
Garden Plants
Basil, Basil thai, Green bean, Black pepper
Picture
Protein
~16 g
Fiber
~4 g
Calories
~350 kcal

Ingredients

Ingredients

Description

A creamy, herb-packed twist on classic pesto, this dish features silken tofu, cashews, and fresh basil blended into a vibrant sauce. Tossed with green beans, cherry tomatoes, and topped with crispy baked tofu nuggets, it's a protein-rich and satisfying farm-to-table favorite.

Instructions

Crispy Tofu Nuggets:

  1. Press tofu if needed and cut into cubes. (Optional: Freeze and thaw tofu first for firmer texture.)
  2. Mix olive oil, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Toss tofu cubes in mixture until evenly coated.
  4. Bake at 425°F / 218°C for 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 15 minutes until crispy.

Creamy Basil Pesto Base:

  1. Blend basil leaves, silken tofu, cashews, garlic, oil, salt, almond milk and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust thickness with more almond milk if needed.

Vegetables & Assembly:

  1. Steam green beans and season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Slice cherry tomatoes.
  3. Mix pesto with green beans and cherry tomatoes. Top with crispy tofu nuggets and serve warm or chilled.

Notes:

Serve warm as a main course or chilled as a hearty salad. Pairs well with noodles, crusty bread or quinoa.

Nutrition per Serving

Recipes

NameCaloriesProteinFatCarbohydratesFiberSodium
Creamy Basil Pesto with Tofu~350 kcal~16 g~24 g~20 g~4 g

Written by neighbors in the community guide. Last edited May 28, 2025.Open in Notion