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Cashew Pesto (Vegan & Oil-Free!)
5 from 6 votes

Cashew Pesto (Vegan & Oil-Free!)

A thick and creamy pesto made with cashews, fresh basil, and lemon. A tasty plant-based alternative to classic pesto!

Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 3 (1/4-cup servings)
Calories: 153 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Vegan, gluten-free

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cashew nuts soaked, raw
  • 1 cup basil or more to taste, fresh
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
  • 2 Tbsp. nutritional yeast
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice about 1/2 lemon, fresh
  • 1/4 cup dairy-free milk (plain and unsweetened)
  • 1/8 tsp. salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor or high speed blender. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides if needed.
  2. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Notes

  • *Soaking cashews: Before blending, soak the cashews in room temperature water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Then drain and rinse before using. Or quick soak: Place cashews in a heat-safe bowl and carefully add hot/boiling water until cashews are covered. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes. Then drain and rinse.
  • Storing: Store in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
  • Yield: Recipe makes about 3/4 cup pesto.
  • Recipe originally published June 26, 2014. Updated March 11, 2023.

Nutrition Information

Calories 153kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 5g (25%) Potassium 311mg (7%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 502IU (10%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 54mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 3 (1/4-cup servings)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 153

% Daily Value*

Calories 153kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Potassium 311mg 7%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 502IU 10%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 54mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.