DAIRY-FREE BROCCOLI PESTO PASTA

Dairy-free broccoli pesto pasta is made with a dairy-free broccoli pesto and coats the pasta in an incredible way. 

Move over traditional pesto, there’s a new pesto in town and it is filled with broccoli and healthy omega threes filled hemp hearts.

Okay so I know, pesto is amazing, it is filled with tons of flavor and can be made with basically any green and seed or nuts. I wanted to find a way to bring more health benefits into the mix so instead of using pine nuts or cashews, I used hemp hearts.

WHY HEMP HEARTS

Hemp hearts are a beautiful tiny superfood, filled with tons of healthy omega threes. Not only that but they are pure protein too. Not only do they have omega threes, they also have a rare omega-6 gamma linolenic acid aka GLA. GLA is great to help with cholesterol, inflammation, skin, hair, balancing hormones and also helping with a positive mood.

They are also filled with magnesium, fiber, iron and so much more.

I love being able to use hemp seeds in all sorts of recipes, but in this particular one it is amazing, it creates a creamy sauce with this nutty taste.

I use thawed frozen broccoli to make everything easier, and then pulse it with hemp hearts, cold pressed olive oil, creamy garlic spread, nutritional yeast and my secret ingredient pine pollen.

WHAT IS PINE POLLEN

Pine pollen is an amazing adaptogen that is filled with liver cleansing properties and also great at boosting your immune system. It is great for restoring energy, battling fatigue and much more. I get mine from my amazing herbalist friend Alyssa from Root & Bones. BTW not sponsored, I just really love her products and what she is doing. Check out her Instagram feed for awesome recipes ft. pine pollen.

Okay, babes not only is this pesto a powerhouse when it comes to health benefits but it is also totally plant-based. This is perfect because it is so versatile and everyone friendly. Not only is it great cause it is plant-based and gluten free but you can top it with roasted veggies, broiled salmon, grilled chicken and more.

Alright, my loves here is the recipe, I hope you all have a wonderful day and that you try out this recipe. If you do, let me know what you think in the comment section or tag it on Instagram #followourpassionstyle

WHAT YOU NEED

1 package of any gluten-free pasta brand of choice

1 cup of thawed frozen organic broccoli

1/2 cup of hemp hearts

3 T of cold pressed olive oil

2 T of pine pollen

2 T of nutritional yeast

2 T of creamy garlic spread or finely minced garlic

1/4 cup -1/2 cup of veggie broth or water.

1 T of lemon juice

salt + pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, once boiling add the pasta and cook according to package directions. In a food processor add all of the other ingredients but the veggie broth or water. Pulse until it is creamy, add the water or veggie broth until desired consistency. Season with salt + pepper to taste. When the pasta is cooked, drain and toss with the pesto. Serve and enjoy.