Creamy Cashew Basil Pesto
This Creamy Cashew Basil Pesto is a delightful twist on traditional pesto that combines the vibrant, aromatic flavors of fresh basil with the rich, buttery taste of roasted cashews. It's incredibly simple to make and guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite! Perfect for drizzling over pasta, marinating chicken, enhancing grilled fish, or spreading on crackers and crostini, this pesto is versatile enough to elevate any dish. Customize it with your favorite nuts and cheeses for a personalized touch. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick weeknight meal enhancer, this pesto is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Basil Leaves
1 cup (Rinsed and patted dry)
Garlic Cloves
3 (Roughly chopped)
Cashews
1/2 cup (Roasted and salted or unsalted, as preferred)
Parmesan Cheese or Romano Cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (Extra virgin preferred)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the fresh basil leaves under cool water. Pat them dry gently with a clean kitchen towel.
2
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped garlic cloves, and cashews. Pulse the mixture until it becomes a coarse mixture.
3
Add the parmesan or romano cheese to the food processor and continue to pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.
4
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue to blend until the pesto reaches your desired smoothness, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary.
5
Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper, adjusting the flavors as desired. If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to add more olive oil.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cashew Basil Pesto?
Creamy Cashew Basil Pesto is a delightful twist on traditional pesto that combines fresh basil with the rich, buttery taste of roasted cashews.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, cashews, parmesan or romano cheese, and olive oil.
How much basil is needed?
You will need 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, rinsed and patted dry.
Can I use salted cashews?
Yes, you can use roasted cashews that are either salted or unsalted depending on your preference.
What type of cheese is best for cashew pesto?
You can use 1/2 cup of either grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for the best flavor and texture.
How many garlic cloves are in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped.
How do I prepare the basil leaves?
Rinse them under cool water and gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel before starting.
Do I need a food processor to make this?
Yes, a food processor is used to pulse the ingredients and blend them into a smooth or coarse mixture.
What is the first step in making the pesto?
The first step is to combine the basil, garlic, and cashews in a food processor and pulse until it becomes a coarse mixture.
When do I add the cheese?
Add the cheese after the initial pulsing of basil, garlic, and cashews, then pulse again until finely chopped.
How do I incorporate the olive oil?
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired smoothness.
Can I adjust the thickness of the pesto?
Yes, if you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more olive oil during the blending process.
How do I season the pesto?
Taste the finished pesto and season with salt and pepper to adjust the flavors to your liking.
What can I serve with Creamy Cashew Basil Pesto?
It is perfect for pasta, marinating chicken, enhancing grilled fish, or spreading on crackers and crostini.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
Is this pesto gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
While this recipe specifies cashews for creaminess, you can customize it with your favorite nuts.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with only five main ingredients and simple steps.
How should I store leftover pesto?
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Can I use this pesto as a dip?
Absolutely, its creamy texture makes it an excellent dip for crackers or bread.
What makes this pesto 'creamy'?
The use of cashews provides a richer, more buttery and creamy consistency compared to traditional pine nut pesto.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, you can substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
What is the texture of the pesto before adding oil?
Before adding oil, the mixture should be finely chopped and well combined after pulsing with the cheese.
Does the garlic need to be minced?
No, roughly chopped garlic is sufficient as the food processor will do the final mincing.
Is this recipe considered Italian?
Yes, it is an Italian-inspired condiment.
Can I freeze cashew pesto?
Yes, pesto freezes well in airtight containers or ice cube trays for future use.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: basil, garlic, cashews, cheese, and olive oil.
Should I use fresh or dried basil?
Fresh basil leaves are essential for the flavor and texture of this pesto recipe.
Can I use this for a dinner party?
Yes, its versatile and impressive flavor profile makes it great for hosting.