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Two slices of toast on a white plate, topped with whipped vegan ricotta and green peas covered in pesto. A lemon wedge is in the background beside a glass of water.

Vegan Pesto Pea Ricotta Toasts

Crisp toast slathered with whipped dairy-free ricotta and topped with vibrant sweet green peas lightly sautéed in basil pesto. These vegan pesto ricotta toasts are as perfect for a quick and healthy handheld meal as they are for a pretty side dish for a brunch crowd!
5 from 4 votes
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Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Green Pea Recipe, Vegan Appetizer, Vegan Toasts
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 as an appetizer (or 4 as a light meal)
Calories: 380kcal
Author: Bronwyn

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of Italian, French, round artisan or baguette style bread use gluten-free bread if desired
  • olive oil for brushing the bread

Pesto Green Peas

Savory Cashew Ricotta

  • 1 cup cashews (soaked 4 hours or see quick soak method in notes)
  • ½ cup unsweetened vegan yogurt
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast, optional (or finely grated vegan Parmesan, to taste)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • grated zest from half of a lemon
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper, or to taste

Garnishes, Optional

  • minced chives
  • grated lemon zest
  • flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Brush the slices of bread lightly with olive oil and place them directly on the grill pan or skillet over medium heat, flipping when golden (about a minute) and repeating on the other side. See blog post for other toasting options, including toasting a big batch in the oven, on the barbeque and, of course, pop-up or toaster oven.
  • Drain the cashews and transfer to food processor with the rest of the ingredients for the ricotta. Blend until almost smooth and whipped, scraping down the sides as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Preheat the olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add the peas, and sauté them just until they become vibrant. Stir in the pesto (heating through if the pesto requires cooking - check the instructions on the label), and remove from the heat. Don't overcook so the peas and pesto remain vibrant.
  • Spread a thick layer of vegan ricotta on top of each slice of toast. Spoon the peas onto each toast, pressing lightly so that most of the peas stick to the cashew ricotta. Sprinkle with the garnishes if desired. Serve immediately. See Notes below for storing leftovers.

Nutrition Info:

Calories: 380kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 247mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 416IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg

Notes:

Short on time? 
Quick soak the cashews by covering them with water in a small pot and simmering them for 10-15 minutes or until softened, then drain. 
Make Ahead:
Make the ricotta and pea mixture up to 3-5 days in advance. Store in a shallow airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the toasts just before serving so they don't become soggy.
Freezing:
The pesto peas and and the cashew ricotta can be stored separately in airtight containers and frozen for approximately 6 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight. To restore the creamy texture of the cashew cheese, blend in a food processor until it reaches the desired consistency.
 
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