By If you love the fresh, herby taste of pesto, you're going to love my homemade high protein pesto recipe! This pesto paste is quick to throw together and has extra protein thanks to hemp seeds, making it the perfect sauce to add to any recipe.
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This high-protein pesto recipe swaps traditional pine nuts for hemp seeds, adding extra protein and other healthy nutrients, setting it apart from your typical pesto sauce. I love this recipe because you can add it to so many different dishes, like your favorite high-protein salad, or swap out your red sauce for pesto in your pasta dish.
Jump to:
- why be normal when you can be cool (with hemp seed pesto)
- ingredient notes & substitutions
- here's how to make high-protein pesto (with photos & video)
- expert tips
- massaging your arugula: what's up with that?
- common questions
- troubleshooting & testing notes
- how to store & meal prep it
- my favorite pairings
- Recipe
why be normal when you can be cool (with hemp seed pesto)
- Meal prep it: This recipe will last the whole week, so go ahead and make a big batch to enjoy!
- Takes 5 minutes: Literally, toss it all in the blender - that's it!
- Versatile: Use this sauce on pasta, chicken, in a salad, and more!
If green pesto isn't your thing, you can also make red pesto to use in this chicken with red pesto or red pesto pasta salad.
ingredient notes & substitutions
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Arugula and garlic: I prefer fresh arugula, but you can use frozen as well. I also prefer freshly minced garlic, but you can opt for the pre-minced garlic.
- Hemp seeds: This is the main protein building block for this recipe! You can also use flax seeds.
- Wet ingredients: You'll need olive oil, lemon juice, and water to create the creamy base for your pesto.
- Cheese and salt: Grab your favorite parmesan and a little salt. To make this recipe vegan, use vegan parmesan or opt out of the parmesan. Be sure to gate your own parmesan or you can just toss some broken off cubes directly into the blender.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
high protein ingredient spotlight: hemp seeds
You've probably seen how popular chia seeds and flax seeds are becoming lately, but I raise you hemp seeds. They are just as versatile and add a boost of protein to any recipe they're added to. Hemp seeds add 10 grams of protein per 3 tbsp, making them one of the highest protein seeds out there!
You can add hemp seeds to a variety of recipes as they are super versatile and have a mild, nutty taste. These high-protein seeds go with both sweet and savory recipes, and I love to throw them into any recipe that I can! I love to use them in my protein apple cake and protein balls without protein powder.
here's how to make high-protein pesto (with photos & video)
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full high-protein pesto recipe!
- Blend: Combine all your ingredients and then blend, or use a food processor, the pesto ingredients until smooth, tasting, and adjusting as needed. That's IT. So quick and easy.
quick recipe video
expert tips
- Room temperature: If you're making your pesto ahead of time, make sure you let it sit for a little while outside of the fridge before you use it. This ensures the pesto won't be too thick.
- Toast your hemp seeds: Here's a fun little tip -- try roasting your hemp seeds! Roasting your hemp seeds can add a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Looking for more spice: If you like a more spicy pesto, add some peppers into the blender!
massaging your arugula: what's up with that?
I recommend massaging your greens before using them in recipes, but for pesto, it's not necessary because it all gets blended together.
common questions
Just add a little water or olive oil and mix until you reach your desired consistency.
If you're looking for a more traditional flavor, try fresh basil, or if you're in a pinch, use spinach.
Yes! Hemp hearts are basically de-shelled hemp seeds. Hemp hearts are the soft part on the inside of the seed.
troubleshooting & testing notes
Too grainy?
Since implementing hemp seeds into my recipes, I've noticed that if you don't blend for long enough, the seeds won't break down enough and will result in a grainy texture. If you notice this, throw your pesto back in the blender and blend a little longer.
Room temperature
As with most recipes, room-temperature ingredients mix better. I also recommend allowing your pesto to come to room temperature if you store it in the fridge, as this will ensure it doesn't get too thick to spread or mix.
how to store & meal prep it
This pesto is easy to store, and if you like to prep ahead like me, you're going to need some tips:
- Fridge: Place in an air-tight jar or container and put in the fridge. The pesto will stay good for around 5-7 days (the lemon juice acts as a natural preservative).
- Freezer: You can freeze pesto, but be sure to freeze it in an airtight bag so that it doesn't get freezer burn. Your pesto also might not look as bright green as it did when you first made it.
- Meal Prep: Remove from the container or bag and allow it to warm to room temperature.
my favorite pairings
There are so many fun and delicious ways you can enjoy your pesto! It's the perfect spread or dip for a snack, goes great on dinner meals, and can even be used for breakfast.
- Pita and naan is one of my favorite breads to dip into pesto. I prefer my pita roasted, but you can enjoy it soft and chewy. Either way tastes amazing with this recipe!
- High-protein pesto chicken pasta is the best way to enjoy your pesto in pasta form. I actually made this pesto to go specifically with this easy dinner recipe!
- A savory protein pesto breakfast bowl with hashbrowns, pesto eggs, and chicken sausage is a great way to use this recipe. Top it with avocado, microgreens, and basil for a well-balanced meal!
Recipe
high protein pesto without basil
Ingredients
- 2 cups arugula
- ½ cup hemp seeds
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice (start with 2 tablespoon and taste and adjust for desired taste)
- 2 tablespoon water
- 4 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup whole parmesan cheese (dairy free works too!)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Before you start!
If you make this recipe, please take a moment to leave us a review. We love to hear from you!
Instructions
- Blend the pesto ingredients until smooth, tasting and adjusting as needed.
Video
Notes
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
Love this! So fresh and lemony!