Whether you make homemade vegan pesto or use a store-bought version, this flavor-packed pesto tofu is quick and easy to prepare in the oven or air fryer. It uses the same two-step flavoring method as my roasted pesto potatoes: half the pesto to season the tofu before baking, and the rest for drizzling or dipping.

As in my rosemary tofu recipe, the tofu is torn into bite-sized pieces rather than cubed, for the crispiest texture. This also creates more surface area for the herby sauce to cling to.

This delicious tofu is perfect for serving over grains, pasta, or salads. It's one of my favorite recipes to make with vegan pesto!

Ingredient info: gluten-free, nut-free option, vegan

Plate of crispy baked tofu drizzled with extra pesto sauce.

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Ingredients

Bowl of vegan pesto sauce, block of super-firm tofu, and salt and pepper grinders on a cutting board.

Vegan pesto sauce: My quick vegan pesto is easy to make in a food processor using fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, nutritional yeast, pine nuts, lemon juice, and salt. Or buy your favorite jarred version from the supermarket. Some brands that make pesto without cheese include Filippo Berio, Divina, and Sprouts.
Tofu: Look for super firm tofu which is sold in a vacuum-packed wrapper rather than packed in a tray of water. I recommend Trader Joe's (and other store brands), Nasoya, and Wildwood Organic. If unavailable, extra-firm tofu can be used, but you'll need to press it first to remove the excess water.

Please see the recipe card for the complete ingredients, measurements, and instructions.

How to make vegan pesto tofu

Tofu tossed with pesto, the tofu pieces on a baking sheet, the baked tofu pieces, and the finished tofu on a plate drizzled with extra sauce.

Pat the tofu dry with a kitchen towel, then use your hands to tear it into bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, toss it with half the pesto until well coated.
If baking, spread the tofu out in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. If air frying, place the tofu in the basket in a single layer. (You may need to work in batches, depending on the model and size of your air fryer.)
Bake or air fry, flipping halfway through, until lightly browned and crispy.
Transfer the cooked tofu to a serving plate. Drizzle with the remaining pesto or serve it on the side for dipping.

Serving suggestions

Plate of baked tofu drizzled with extra pesto sauce.

Pesto Tofu goes with just about anything:

Try it on spaghetti tossed with tomato paste pasta sauce or a bowl of vegan mac and cheese.
Serve it with side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice or quinoa, or lemon orzo salad with cucumbers.
Enjoy the leftovers cold the next day in a simple green salad tossed with creamy avocado dressing or sweet and tangy white balsamic vinaigrette.

If you love this tofu texture and how easy it is to make, try my sheet pan tofu fajitas next.

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Love and Veggies,

Amy

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