Cashew-Lemon Basil Pesto ~ Gluten-free & plant-based
You’re going to love the fact that pesto mixes up in a snap…it is almost too easy!
This pesto recipe is downright amazing on pizza too! We almost like it better than regular pizza sauce. Lately, my husband has been adding his tomato-based pizza sauce right over the layer of pesto.
We eat pesto often, and Cashew-Lemon Basil Pesto is one of our favorite recipes. This recipe is from Dreena Burton, www.dreenaburton.com.
I changed the order of ingredients a little because I like to add the cashews first and then the liquids and spices on top. I also decided to soak the cashews because I prefer to work with a softer nut for pestos and sauces.
To Make Cashew-Lemon Basil Pesto You Will Need These Ingredients:
- Raw cashews
- Lemons or lemon juice
- Garlic
- Dry mustard
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Water
- Fresh basil leaves
- Pasta of your choice ~ gluten-free/corn-free if needed
Here Are Some Optional Add-in Ideas:
- Turkey or chicken breast, roasted and sliced into bite-size pieces.
- Cauliflower gnocchi – trust me it is a good add-in. I cooked the gnocchi in an air fryer so it was just slightly crispy.
Enjoy!
Cashew-Lemon Basil Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 1/8 cup raw cashews soaked 2-3 hours
- 3 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 LG garlic clove minced
- 3/4 tsp dry mustard
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3 grinds of freshly ground black pepper
- 1-3 Tbsp water
- 2 3/4 cups packed fresh basil leaves I really pack mine well
- Pasta of choice we’ve used both fettuccine and penne. I use gluten-free for myself
Instructions
- Place soaked and drained cashews in a food processor along with lemon juice, garlic, dry mustard, salt, pepper, basil leaves and 1 Tbsp of water. Puree until desired smoothness, some texture is okay.
- Add additional water 1 Tbsp at a time as needed or if you prefer a thinner pesto.
- Toss pesto with cooked and drained pasta. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dairy-free Parmesan. I like to use Follow Your Heart Vegan Parmesan.
- Add in cooked sliced turkey, chicken breast, or cauliflower gnocchi if desired.
Notes
~turkey or chicken breast, roasted and sliced in bite-size pieces.
~cauliflower gnocchi – trust me it really is a good add-in. I cooked the gnocchi in an air fryer so it was just slightly crispy.
Nutrition
You might also like to try this Fresh Pesto recipe with less fat.
