Vegan Salad Leaf Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Butter Beans

This easy and flavorful pasta dish transforms leftover salad greens into a delicious pesto, paired with sun-dried tomatoes and creamy butter beans for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • 400g pasta (paccheri or gluten-free option)
  • 4 tbsp pine nuts
  • 60g mixed salad leaves
  • 1 bunch fresh basil (about 30g)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 4 tbsp nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 100g sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 can (400g) butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • Vegan parmesan for topping (optional)

Method

  1. Cook the pasta:
    • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente
  2. Prepare the pesto:
    • Toast pine nuts in a pan
    • Blend pine nuts, salad leaves, basil, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor
  3. Cook the vegetables:
    • Sauté sun-dried tomatoes and butter beans in the same pan
  4. Combine and serve:
    • Add cooked pasta to the pan with vegetables
    • Stir in pesto, adding pasta water if needed
    • Serve topped with olive oil and vegan parmesan if desired

This Vibrant Vegan Salad Leaf Pesto Pasta is a perfect way to use up leftover greens while creating a delicious and nutritious meal. The combination of fresh pesto, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy butter beans creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Don’t hesitate to try this versatile recipe – it’s an easy, tasty way to reduce food waste and enjoy a satisfying vegan meal that’s sure to become a new favorite!