Cashew Nut Pesto

If you are looking for a pesto recipe without pine nuts, then my cashew nut pesto recipe is what you are looking for. It tastes just like your classic pesto with basil; it comes together in 5 minutes, and you can use it on anything and everything.

Try my tuna pesto pasta next.

Why you will love this recipe

• It comes together in 5 minutes.

• You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. I like to use less garlic in my pesto, but you can add more if you prefer.

• Apart from basil, you can add spinach, arugula, kale, or any other leafy green to your pesto for added nutrients and flavor. I like to keep mine simple. Nothing beats the classic! Moreover, basil is not named the king of herbs for nothing.

Related recipes: basil pesto sauce, creamy pesto pasta, pesto butter, baked basil pesto chicken and pesto butter salmon

What you will need

Roasted cashew nut: I used ready-salted roasted cashew nuts. I got mine from Costco. Substitute the cashew nut for pistachio, almonds, or walnuts.

Olive oil: substitute with extra virgin olive oil

Garlic: This cannot be substituted with garlic powder or granules

Fresh basil leaves

Parmesan cheese: It is best to grate your parmesan cheese instead of using storebought for better flavor

Salt and black pepper to taste

How to make Cashew nut pesto

To a food processor, add cashew nuts and garlic and blitz for a few seconds to break it down to crumbs.

Add basil, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper, and continue to blend until fully combined and your desired texture is achieved. Transfer to an airtight jar. Use as desired (use as much or as little as you want in various dishes) or store in the fridge until needed.

How to store

This homemade pesto will last in the fridge for up to 7 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Portion the pesto into an ice tray or small freezer-safe containers for easy use.

How to use Cashew Pesto

• As a pasta sauce: This is my go-to way of using pesto apart from using it on sandwiches. Toss cooked pasta with the cashew pesto and top with extra parmesan cheese for a quick and delicious meal. Add chicken, shrimp, or tofu for more protein and a balanced meal.
• On sandwiches or crostini: Spread cashew pesto on bread for a delicious twist.
• Use it as a dip: Mix the pesto (with sour cream, yogurt, whipped feta cheese, or ricotta cheese) and use it as a dip for crackers, vegetables, or breadsticks.
• Make pesto mayo (recipe via www.cravingsmallbites.com).
• In salads: Use it as a dressing in potato salad, tortellini salad or mix it into coleslaw for added flavor.
• In soups, stews, or casseroles: Add a spoonful of cashew pesto to your soup for an extra flavor boost.
• Use it as a marinade for your fish, meat, pork, tofu and many more