This basil cashew pesto is vibrant green and bursting with flavor! It tastes just like the traditional version and is more economical.
What could surpass a flavorful, creamy, garlicky basil pesto? With easy access to a lush basil plant in my garden, I enjoy creating large batches, although I don’t always adhere to the classic recipe. But is it possible to make pesto with cashews?
A conventional basil pesto utilizes pine nuts, which can be pricey. Cashews are a pantry staple in my home, so the thought of creating pesto with cashews occurred spontaneously. It turns out to be delicious and resembles the traditional basil pesto!
Ingredients in Cashew Pesto
Pesto is a sauce that hails from Italy. The most renowned version of pesto is basil pesto or pesto alla genovese, originating from the city of Genoa. However, the term derives from the Italian word “pounded,” so it can refer to any type of pounded sauce.
You’ve likely encountered various adaptations before, such as red pepper pesto, kale pesto, and more. The typical ingredients in basil pesto are:
– Fresh basil leaves
– Parmesan cheese
– Nuts
– Garlic
– Olive oil
– Salt
A traditional pesto utilizes pine nuts, but this cashew pesto recipe replaces those with cashews. Pine nuts have a unique flavor and can be harder to find in the US, not to mention pricier. Cashews serve as a fantastic alternative: they contribute a creamy texture and create a wonderfully satisfying basil pesto!
My cashew pesto also includes fresh lemon juice! Including a squeeze of lemon enhances the flavor. You can leave this out if you prefer, but I appreciate the depth it adds and it helps maintain the green color.
Make it Vegan
If you primarily follow a plant-based diet and are looking for a vegan variation of cashew pesto, I’ve got you covered! Check out my recipe for vegan cashew pesto.
How to Make Cashew Pesto
To prepare cashew pesto, you’ll require a food processor, blender, or mortar and pestle. Traditionally, pesto is made using a mortar and pestle, but many kitchens now lack one.
A food processor simplifies the process. Using a blender depends on the size and power of your appliance to achieve a smooth blend. (In this case, a smaller, stronger blender is preferable.) You’ll yield approximately 1 cup of sauce. Here’s how to prepare basil pesto:
1. In a dry skillet, toast the cashews for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. (This enhances the nutty flavor of the cashews.)
2. In the bowl of a food processor, add the cashews, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, then process until finely chopped.
3. Add the fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, and salt. With the food processor running, drizzle in the olive oil until a creamy sauce forms.
You can store the cashew pesto for 1 week in the refrigerator and for several months in the freezer.
How to Freeze Pesto
If you won’t consume all your cashew pesto within a week, you can conveniently freeze it for later use! This is also an excellent method to utilize excess basil if you have a large basil plant. At the end of the growing season, I prepare a bunch of pesto and freeze it. This way, I can savor the flavor of fresh basil during winter!
A simple way to freeze pesto is in ice cube trays. Pour the cashew pesto into the individual squares of an ice cube tray and freeze. Once solid (after a few hours), remove the cubes and store them in a sealed freezer-safe container.
To thaw the pesto, take a cube from the freezer and place it in a container. Allow it to sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator until fully thawed.
A Note on Growing Basil
Do you cultivate your own basil? If you don’t, I highly suggest it! All you need is a sunny windowsill to plant it in a pot. Alternatively, if you have garden space, you can plant it in full sunlight! Just remember to water and harvest it regularly. A pot of fresh basil will transform your summer cooking!
Using Basil Cashew Pesto
If you’re here, it’s likely you already have some excellent ideas on utilizing cashew pesto! But if you’re seeking more inspiration, here are some of my favorites:
Dietary Notes
This cashew pesto recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free.
Cashew Pesto with Basil
Can you create pesto using cashews? Absolutely. This basil cashew pesto is vivid green and full of flavor. It tastes just like the classic!
Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0