Cashew Basil Pesto Recipe

This unbelievably creamy and flavorful cashew basil pesto is ready in just 5 minutes! Made with roasted salted cashews (or unsalted – adjust salt accordingly!), fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan, it's incredibly versatile. Slather it on pasta, chicken, fish, or your favorite crackers and crostini for an instant flavor boost. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive appetizer.

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Calories 264.4 kcal
Protein 10g
Rating 5.0 (3 Reviews)
Cashew Basil Pesto 41

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Cashew Basil Pesto

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Cashew Basil Pesto? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Cashew Basil Pesto

  1. Combine 1 cup roasted salted cashews (or 1 1/4 cups unsalted), 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves garlic, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
  2. Process until finely chopped.
  3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil until a smooth paste forms.
  4. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add more olive oil if needed to reach desired consistency.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

8 g

Sugar

2g

Fat

24g

Carbs

1g