Cashew Basil Pesto

Elevate your culinary creations with this vibrant and creamy Cashew Basil Pesto, a delightful twist on the classic recipe. Made with fresh basil leaves, toasted raw cashews, and nutty Parmesan cheese, this pesto is packed with robust flavor and a hint of brightness from fresh lemon juice. The velvety olive oil ties it all together, while garlic adds a savory punch. Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-cook recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining. Use it to coat your favorite pasta, slather it on sandwiches, or serve it as a dip for crusty bread or crisp veggies. With its rich texture and bold flavors, this pesto is a versatile and irresistible condiment you'll return to again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 cups Raw cashews
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 cups Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the cashews for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and allow them to cool for a minute.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the toasted cashews, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and lemon juice.

Step 3

Pulse the mixture several times until it begins to break down into a coarse texture.

Step 4

While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 5

Add salt and black pepper to taste, then pulse a few more times to fully incorporate the seasoning.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning or texture, adding an extra splash of olive oil if needed.

Step 7

Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve with pasta, spread on sandwiches, or use as a dip for vegetables or bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(279.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1511.8

Total Fat 148.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.6g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 1869.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 24.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.5g	0%
Total Sugars 4.2g
Protein 28.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 526.6mg	0%
Iron 6.0mg	0%
Potassium 565.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 86.5%

Protein: 7.3%

Carbs: 6.2%