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Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan & gluten free)

March 29, 2023 By Courtney West 2 Comments

Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

Vibrant and full of spring flavors, this vegan and gluten free pistachio mint pesto pasta with asparagus comes together easily in just under 30 minutes. Pistachios, mint, and parsley form the flavor base of this vegan pesto along with both lemon zest and juice. Tossed with gluten free penne pasta and topped with roasted asparagus, this pesto pasta is perfect for springtime.

Mint has long been my favorite herb in the garden. I frequently run my fingers through its textured leaves each time I visit the garden, its bright and punchy scent perfuming the air. It’s often the first thing to bounce back after winter, adding a vibrant pop of green to an otherwise beige landscape. As the weather warms, I find myself using it frequently, adding leaves here and there to enjoy its cool and vibrant pop of flavor in both sweet and savory dishes.

Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

In this easy gluten free and vegan pasta recipe, I paired it fresh mint leaves with parsley and pistachios for one of my favorite go-to meals: pesto pasta! I make pesto pasta throughout the year, changing up the herbs and nuts/seeds along with the seasons. It makes the perfect vehicle for roasted or raw seasonal veg and it never fails to deliver in the taste department. Plus, it’s super simple and quick to make which is always a win in my book!

Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

How to Make the Best Pistachio Mint Pesto

In my opinion, the key to making the best-tasting pesto is a combination of fresh ingredients, good quality olive oil, and a touch of something something sweet to balance the flavors. I prefer raw pistachios here since they have a beautiful buttery flavor that pairs really well with the herbs. You can use roasted pistachios if you want more of a deeper, nuttier flavor. You’ll want to use fresh mint and parsley leaves. If you have a choice, I personally prefer spearmint here but any mint you have will do! Since you’ll be adding a goodly amount of olive oil, you want to use something with a lovely flavor that you actually like. As for the sweetness, it’s my pesto secret weapon! Adding just a touch of maple syrup or agave syrup helps balance the flavors and mimic the richness that comes from adding dairy cheese.

Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

Tips for Making Your Pesto Pasta

  • I recommend using a pasta shape that will help trap the pesto sauce such as fusilli, casarecce, gemelli, or even penne. Since I made mine gluten free, the pasta options were more limited thus I went with a penne.
  • All pastas have different recommended cooking times so make sure to check the label! You want to cook it until it is al dente. In other words, it shouldn’t be hard or mushy but have a slight resistance when you bite into it.
  • Don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta cooking water before you drain the pasta! It will help loosen up the pesto and yield a nice, creamy sauce for the pasta.
  • Rather than dumping all of the pesto onto the cooked pasta at once, add about half at first, mixing it in. Taste the pasta, and add more pesto to suit your particular tastes. I ended up using all of it here but you might want to use a little less!
Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

Looking for More Ways to Enjoy Mint?

This cilantro mint yogurt sauce is an easy way to perk up abundance bowls, roasted veggies, sandwiches, and more. Mint pairs perfectly with fresh lime in this cucumber carrot salad with crushed peanuts. If you have dried mint hanging around in your pantry, make sure to try this cucumber limeade with mint and lemon balm.

Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog
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Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan & gluten free)


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No reviews

  • Author: Courtney West
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 servings
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

Vibrant and full of spring flavors, this vegan and gluten free pistachio mint pesto pasta with asparagus comes together easily in just under 30 minutes. Pistachios, mint, and parsley form the flavor base of this vegan pesto along with both lemon zest and juice. Tossed with gluten free pasta and topped with roasted asparagus, this pesto pasta is perfect for springtime. 


Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw shelled pistachios
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • sea salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup parsley leaves, packed
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup 
  • 1/3 cup + 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 8 oz gluten free pasta, such as penne or fusilli
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • brassica flowers, optional for garnish


Instructions

Pre-heat your oven to 425 degrees.

To a blender or food processor, add the pistachios, nutritional yeast, a pinch of salt, and the lemon zest. Pulse a few times until the pistachios begin to break down into smaller pieces. Add the mint and parsley and pulse a few more times to begin breaking down the leaves. Scrape down the sides of your processor or blender, then add the lemon juice, maple syrup, and 1/3 cup of the olive oil and pulse until you achieve a thick pesto. Set your pesto aside.

Trim the woody bottoms off your asparagus. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle them with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil and season with a sprinkle of salt. Toss to coat the asparagus in the oil and salt, then spread out the spears out so that they aren’t overlapping one another. Roast in your pre-heated 425 degree oven for about 12-13 minutes until they are tender and beginning to caramelize around the edges. 

While the asparagus is roasting, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 a cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Add your cooked pasta to a large bowl along with some of the pesto and a splash of the pasta water. Toss, adding more pesto as needed to suit your taste. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the pesto and yield a creamier consistency. 

Serve the pasta with a side of the roasted asparagus and garnish with brassica flowers and mint leaves if you like. Enjoy!

Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 5 days. 

Notes

  • If asparagus isn’t in season where you are, feel free to substitute any veggie you like here such as turnips or radishes. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time!
  • For a slightly quicker version without the use of the oven, substitute 1 to 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas for the asparagus and add them to the pasta during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time. 
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: main

Did you make the recipe?

I love to see what you’re making so feel free to tag me on Instagram @courtweststudio!

Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog
Pistachio Mint Pesto Pasta with Asparagus (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

Filed Under: dinner, garden, gluten free, herbs, main course, Recipe, savory, spring, summer, vegan, vegetarian

Strawberry Vanilla Cold Brew Latte with Oat Milk

March 17, 2023 By Courtney West Leave a Comment

Strawberry Vanilla Cold Brew Latte (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

This strawberry vanilla cold brew latte with oat milk is simple to make and packed with flavor. This updated take on traditional cold brew coffee combines a sweet and fruity strawberry vanilla syrup with creamy oat milk and homemade cold brew. This strawberry latte is perfect for the warmer months of the year or anytime you want to enjoy the unexpected yet delicious combination of strawberries and coffee!

The idea for this coffee drink popped into my head a couple of weeks ago when strawberries began making their way back into season in Houston. Normally I’m not much for inventive flavors when it comes to coffee, but the idea of a strawberry latte just kept gnawing at me. We drink coffee with pastries, which may very well be strawberry-flavored, so it didn’t see too bizarre, right?! I’m happy to report this strawberry vanilla cold brew latte is just as delicious as I imagined!

What is a Cold Brew Latte?

Unlike a traditional latte that contains espresso, a cold brew latte is typically made with cold brew concentrate and milk. The ratio of cold brew to milk will vary slightly based on the person making it and whether or not they are using cold brew or cold brew concentrate. Cold brew concentrate is simply the result of cold brewing coffee grounds in cold water for 12-18 hours. Once steeped then strained, the concentrate can be enjoyed as-is for a very strong flavor or diluted with milk or water. For this version of a cold brew latte, I prefer 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate to 1 cup milk. For a lighter coffee flavor you can do 1/2 cup cold brew that has already been diluted with water.

Strawberry Vanilla Cold Brew Latte (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

Key Ingredients for My Strawberry Vanilla Cold Brew Latte

  • Strawberries — fresh strawberries will yield the best flavor but you can also use frozen ones.
  • Cane Sugar — helps draw out the strawberry juices while thickening and sweetening the syrup.
  • Lemon Juice — brightens up the strawberry flavor.
  • Vanilla Extract — lends flavor to the syrup. For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste.
  • Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate — as mentioned above, this is simply undiluted cold brew. If you’d like to make your own, I have a recipe for you right here!
  • Oat Milk — you can’t have a latte without milk! I love oat milk or cashew milk here but feel free to use your favorite.
Strawberry Vanilla Cold Brew Latte (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

Recipe Components

STRAWBERRY VANILLA SYRUP – The flavor of this latte comes from a homemade simple syrup made with water, sugar, fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. You’ll mix together the water, sugar, strawberries, and lemon juice in a small pot or sauce pan. Let this mixture simmer for a bit to extract the juice of the strawberries and thicken the syrup. Once it cools off, you’ll strain the strawberries out and stir in the vanilla.

OAT MILK – I used a store-bought oat milk for mine and it was really delicious! You could also use cashew milk, soy milk, or whatever you prefer at the moment.

COLD BREW COFFEE – I prefer to make my own cold brew at home since it’s incredibly easy and I can use my favorite coffee beans. If you’re making your own, you need ground coffee and filtered water. Typically it will “brew” at room temperature anywhere from 12-18 hours. I like mine brewed for about 14 hours. To make this recipe easier, feel free to use your favorite store-bought cold brew concentrate.

Strawberry Vanilla Cold Brew Latte (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

Recipe Tips

  • I’ve found that fresh, in-season strawberries will yield the best tasting syrup. You can also use frozen strawberries if you like. If you go that route, there’s no need to thaw them! You can add them straight to the pan.
  • When you’re straining the berries out of the syrup, you want to gently press the berries to encourage the syrup to drain. If you press really hard, you’ll start to push solid bits of the berries into the syrup. We’re going for a smooth syrup here that doesn’t leave any chunky bits of berry in our latte!
  • I layered each component in my glass for the photos for aesthetics but I highly recommend mixing the syrup with the milk first. The syrup is heavier (more dense) than the other two ingredients so it will easily sink to the bottom if not incorporated into the milk. I recommend doing this with a small whisk or a handheld milk frother for the best results!
  • For a less strong coffee flavor, use cold brew that has already been diluted with water rather than a concentrate. If you’re buying it from the store, it will tell you on the label if it is a concentrate or not.
  • Leftover strawberry vanilla syrup can be enjoyed over ice cream or stirred into milk or milkshakes for a delicious treat.
Strawberry Vanilla Cold Brew Latte (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog
Strawberry Vanilla Cold Brew Latte (vegan/gf recipe) | seasonal plant-based recipes via The Sweet Miscellany Blog

Looking for more recipes to celebrate strawberry season? For something cold and creamy, try this vegan strawberry coconut milk ice cream. Or, if you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can use store-bought ice cream in these roasted strawberry sundaes with chamomile and St. Germain. If you prefer something cake-y, try this dairy free strawberry upside-down cake with lavender whipped coconut cream.

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Strawberry Vanilla Cold Brew Latte With Oat Milk


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Courtney West
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This strawberry vanilla cold brew latte with oat milk is simple to make and packed with flavor. This updated take on traditional cold brew coffee combines a sweet and fruity strawberry vanilla syrup with creamy oat milk and homemade cold brew. This strawberry latte is perfect for the warmer months of the year or anytime you want to enjoy the unexpected yet delicious combination of strawberries and coffee!


Ingredients

for the syrup:

  • 1 heaped cup strawberries, quartered 
  • 1/2 cup cane sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 small lemon, juiced 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

for the latte assembly:

  • 1/2 cup cold brew concentrate 
  • 1 cup oat milk 
  • ice


Instructions

Add your strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice to a small pot or sauce pan. Set the pan over medium-high heat. Stir the syrup mixture every minute or so until it comes to a boil. Allow the syrup to boil for 10 minutes, stirring regularly. After 10 minutes, reduce the heat to medium-low and bring the syrup down to a simmer. Simmer the syrup for 5 minutes then remove it from the heat. Allow the syrup to cool down to room temperature, then strain the fruit out of the syrup. Stir the vanilla extract into the syrup.

To make your cold brew latte, combine 1-2 tablespoons of the syrup with your milk. Mix the syrup into the milk, then add your cold brew and a handful of ice. Enjoy!

Store leftover syrup in the fridge and use it within 1-2 weeks. 

Notes

  • For a less strong coffee flavor, use a cold brew that has been diluted with water. If you have made your own concentrate, mix it in a 1:1 ratio with water. If you’re buying it from the store, look for cold brew that is either labeled as “ready to drink” or does NOT have the word concentrate on the label.
  • If you don’t like oat milk, use whatever milk you prefer!
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: drink

Did you make the recipe?

I love to see what you’re making so feel free to tag me on Instagram @courtweststudio!

Filed Under: berries, beverage, breakfast, dairy free, gluten free, Recipe, spring, summer, vegan

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