Easy Wild Garlic Pesto (Vegan)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you love pesto, my easy wild garlic pesto is the perfect version to make in spring. The best part? It is vegan, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and ready in 10 minutes.

easy easy wild garlic pesto on a vintage spoon laying on a plate with props in the background.

It's that short time in spring when wild garlic grows around Vienna. So I went foraging for this delicious plant while in season. The pungent smell always guides me when harvesting wild garlic, also called ramson or wood garlic. But be sure to not mistake the plant for the similar-looking lily of the valley leaves, which are poisonous when eaten.

The insane amount of wild garlic I harvested last weekend inspired me to put this flavourful plant to good use. Naturally, I got in the kitchen and developed some nutritious and flavourful recipes with the spring produce.

Starting it off with this wild garlic pesto recipe. Enjoy with pasta, bread, crackers, or as a dip for vegetables.

Jump to recipe

Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredient notes
Tips & substitutions
How to make wild garlic pesto
Expert tip
What to serve with wild garlic pesto
Recipe FAQs
More fresh spring recipes
???? Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

deliciously healthy
vegan
gluten-free
ready in 10 minutes

Love a fresh and easy pesto? Try this Thai basil pesto for a delicious twist on the traditional recipe made vegan.

Ingredient notes

To make this vegan wild garlic pesto, you'll need the following ingredients:

ingredients for vegan pesto with wild garlic on a grey background.

Wild garlic – Also known as ramps, wild garlic is the star ingredient of this recipe. It has a pungent, garlicky flavor and can be found in the wild or at some farmers' markets in spring.
Pistachios – Traditional pesto recipes use pine nuts. My version calls for pistachios to add flavor and enhance the green color of the pesto.
Olive oil – A good quality extra-virgin olive oil will help bind the pesto together and add richness and depth of flavor.
Lemon juice – A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and tanginess to the pesto.
Salt and pepper – Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Tips & substitutions

This recipe is super easy to prepare. Follow these tips to get the best result:

When preparing wild garlic, thoroughly wash it under cold water to remove dirt before using it.
Use a mix of wild garlic and other herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro. This will add depth to the pesto and help to balance the strong flavor of wild garlic.
Add more olive oil if the pesto is too thick or more nuts if it's too runny.
Also, add red pepper flakes or chili powder if you like some heat in the pesto.

How to make wild garlic pesto

Step 1: Rinse the wild garlic leaves thoroughly, pat them dry with paper towels, and roughly chop.

ingredients for vegan wild garlic pesto in a cup before pureeing.

Step 2: In a food processor or blender, combine the wild garlic leaves, pistachios, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Then, pulse the mixture until it's finely chopped.

Step 4: Use the wild garlic pesto immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Wild Garlic Pistachio Pesto Zoodles — Wild garlic pesto served with zucchini noodles

Expert tip

Lightly toast the nuts or seeds before blending them. It brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor. To do that, place the nuts or seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be sure to watch them closely, as they can burn quickly.

What to serve with wild garlic pesto

Wild garlic pesto can be a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes. Here are a few suggestions on what to serve with wild garlic pesto:

Pasta – Use this wild garlic pesto as a classic topping for pasta. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto and a little bit of the pasta cooking water to create a creamy sauce. Or give this bacon and mushroom pasta a fresh twist with the pesto.
Bread – This pesto also works as a spread for bread. And use it as a dip for crackers or these homemade pita chips. Also, spread it on a slice of crusty bread for a quick breakfast or snack.
Vegetables – The pesto can also be used as a dip or topping for roasted or grilled vegetables. Serve it with these air fryer roasted carrots or other veggies for a flavorful twist.
Salad – Turn the wild garlic pesto into a salad dressing. To do so, mix it with lemon juice or vinegar to get the right consistency. Then toss it over this salmon cucumber salad to make it a spring-forward meal.

Recipe FAQs

Why is my wild garlic pesto bitter?

If you're toasting the nuts before using them, be careful not to over-toast them. This can lead to a bitter taste. Toast them just until they're golden brown. Then let them cool completely before adding them.

The quality of the olive oil also impacts the taste. If you use low-quality or rancid olive oil, it can result in a bitter flavor. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to get the best taste.

How can I make sure my pesto is smooth and creamy?

Use a high-speed blender or food processor to make the pesto. It helps break down the ingredients more thoroughly, resulting in a smoother and creamier pesto. Be sure to blend the ingredients until they're completely smooth.

How long can you keep wild garlic pesto?

Keep this homemade pesto refrigerated and consume it within 4-5 days. Transfer it to an airtight container and cover it with a layer of olive oil to help prevent oxidation. This will help keep the pesto fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. You can also freeze wild garlic pesto and store it for up to 3 months.

More fresh spring recipes

Did you try one or more of these recipes?
Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @encore_more on Instagram & Facebook!

???? Recipe