Add sunflower seeds to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until you've broken them up a bit. I like them to be about the size of a grain of rice.
Add basil and top with garlic, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Pulse and stop to scrape down the sides into the blade area. Pulse several times until you get the consistency that you like. You can add a little water or broth if you think it's too dry.
Add olive spread (or olives) and salt, if using. Blend for a few seconds to get everything mixed.
Scrape into a jar to store or into a bowl to use in your favorite pasta dish.