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

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Cashew Basil Pesto

Fresh Basil Leaf
Garlic Cloves
1 cup roasted salted cashews (or 1 1/4 cups unsalted)
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

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How to Make Cashew Basil Pesto

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.
Process until finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil until a smooth paste forms.
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

Fat

24g

Carbs

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Starters Appetizers & Snacks Lunch Main Dish / Dinner European Italian Mediterranean American Healthy Vegetarian Gluten Free Summer Recipes 30 Minutes Or Less

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Cashew Basil Pesto?

Cashew Basil Pesto takes about 10 minutes from start to finish — roughly 5 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Cashew Basil Pesto?

Cashew Basil Pesto has approximately 264.4 calories per serving, with about 10 g protein, 1 g carbohydrates and 39 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Cashew Basil Pesto?

The key ingredients for Cashew Basil Pesto are Fresh Basil Leaf, Garlic Cloves, Cashews, Parmesan Cheese, Olive Oil. See the full list with measurements above.