cashew pesto

A vegan pesto recipe that is so simple to make with only 5 ingredients ( + salt/water ). Cashews are used in place of pine nuts and cheese for a budget friendly option. Oil free.

Simple Vegan Pesto

raw cashews

garlic

basil,

nutritional yeast

lemon juice

salt

water

pasta

To a food processor, add the cashews, garlic, basil, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt and 1/4 cup water. Process until smooth, adding more water as desired for a thinner consistency. 

If serving with pasta, cook the noodles according to package instructions, then toss with the pesto, adding more water as needed to thin the pesto.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Pesto also freezes well for up to 6 months. I freeze it in an ice cube tray, then pop the cubes out and stick them in a ziplock freezer bag or container.

Can you make pesto with cashews? You bet. This basil cashew pesto is bright green and full of flavor; it tastes just like the classic!

Cashew Pesto with Basil

Parmesan cheese

garlic cloves

basil

olive oil, plus additional as needed

In a small dry skillet, toast the cashews over medium high heat, stirring constantly, for about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them to a bowl and allow them to cool slightly. (This step is optional, but brings out a more robust flavor in the nuts.)

In food processor*, combine the cashews, cheese, and peeled garlic. Process until finely ground, 20 to 30 seconds.

Add the basil, lemon juice and kosher salt. Turn on the food processor and gradually pour in the olive oil. Once combined, turn off the food processor. Blend in a bit more olive oil if desired, to achieve a looser texture. Stores for about 1 week in the refrigerator and several months frozen.

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Simple Vegan Pesto

Cashew Pesto with Basil

Top 2 cashew pesto recipes from across the web

The most viewed cashew pesto recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 20,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engineic_arrow_forward_48px

Top Tags

Simple Vegan Pesto

Cashew Pesto with Basil

The most viewed cashew pesto recipes by Recipe Cart users, saved from over 20,000 sites. Or, go to our Recipe Search Engine