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closeup photo of cashew pesto in a small glass jar, with a gold spoon dipped inside. There is a kitchen towel in the background and basil leaves and cashews in the foreground

Cashew Pesto

Cindy
This homemade Cashew Pesto Recipe is a beautiful and bright herby spread that is so easy to make. Cashews are a great alternative to pine nuts because they are exceptionally creamy when blended and are a lot more affordable than pine nuts!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Syrups and Sauces
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 202 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil tightly packed
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil plus more as needed
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • ¼ cup Unsalted cashews
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese shredded. Can use Vegan cheese if desired

Instructions
 

  • Place the minced garlic and a cup of tightly packed fresh basil leaves into a food processor.
    top view photo of basil leaves and minced garlic in small jar, ready to be blended. The jar is surrounded by cashews, minced garlic, garlic cloves, and a kitchen towel
  • Add in oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
    top view photo of basil leaves and minced garlic in small jar, ready to be blended. The jar is surrounded by cashews, minced garlic, garlic cloves, and a kitchen towel
  • Then add cashews and parmesan cheese to the mixture in the food processor. Pulse until well combined, but not completely smooth.
    top view photo of basil leaves, minced garlic, and cashews in small jar, ready to be blended. The jar is surrounded by cashews, garlic cloves, and a kitchen towel
  • Add salt and pepper to taste, then adjust to desired consistency by adding more oil.
    top view photo of cashew pesto that has been blended together. The jar is surrounded by cashews, garlic cloves, and a kitchen towel
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
    closeup photo of cashew pesto, in a small glass jar with a gold spoon dipped inside. There is a gold pot of basil and a kitchen towel in the background, and basil, cashews, and garlic in the foreground

Notes

  • Make this recipe vegan by using a vegan parmesan cheese substitute. 
  • Use high quality, fresh ingredients for the best results. 
Keyword cashew pesto