Deliciously Nutty: Making Pesto With Cashews Instead of Pine Nuts

8 servings
10 min

When making pesto, the traditional recipe calls for pine nuts. But have you ever considered using cashews instead?


Cashews are a fantastic substitute for pine nuts in pesto, bringing their own unique flavor and texture to the mix.


Not only do they give your pesto a delightful creaminess, but they also offer some surprising benefits.


Related: Dietician Shares 12 Foods You Can Eat A Lot Of Without Getting Fat 👈

my kids picking basil

Why Choose Cashews Over Pine Nuts?


There are several reasons to opt for cashews over pine nuts when making pesto. First, cashews have a mild flavor and soft texture that blends beautifully with the other ingredients in pesto.


They add a slightly nutty flavor to the dish, giving it a unique twist without overpowering the other flavors.


Second, cashews are significantly cheaper than pine nuts. This makes them an excellent option for those who love pesto but want a more cost-effective ingredient.


The price difference can vary depending on where you shop, but generally, cashews are less expensive than pine nuts.


Here is the best deal we've found 👉for cashews. 👈

Making Pesto With Cashews

A Family Affair: Making Pesto with Kids


One of the great things about making pesto is that it’s a fun and easy activity to do with kids.


I plant a basil plant from Trader Joe’s with my children every year. It’s one of our favorite traditions. We love watching the plant grow, and when it’s time, we all participate in picking the basil leaves.


The kids absolutely love being part of the process and it gives them a sense of accomplishment.


Plus, it’s a great way to teach them about where our food comes from.

Once we’ve gathered enough basil leaves, we head to the kitchen to make our homemade cashew pesto. It’s a simple recipe that the kids can help with, and they enjoy seeing (and tasting!) the fruits of their labor.

Making Pesto With Cashews

Recipe for Cashew Pesto


Here’s our family’s favorite recipe for cashew pesto:

Ingredients:


  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons of garlic (this is a lot but it is how our kids like it)
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Adding olive oil to make pesto with cashews instead of pine nuts

Instructions:


  1. Combine basil, cashews, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor. Process until finely chopped.
  2. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil, processing until the mixture is smooth. You may not need the full 1/2 cup. Just keep pouring until the pesto is the consistency you prefer.
  3. Store the pesto in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to several months.
Adding cashews to the pesto
Pulsing pesto in a food processor
Pesto made with cashews

Cashew Vs Pine Nut Cost Comparison


Based on the information obtained from various sources, the prices of cashews and pine nuts per pound can vary depending on a number of factors such as location, brand, and quality.


Cashews: The price of cashews ranges from about $5.50 to $20 per pound.


Here is our pick for cashews. 👈


Please note that these prices are subject to change and it is recommended to check multiple sources before making a purchase.


Pesto With Cashews


Making pesto with cashews instead of pine nuts is not only a great way to save money, but also a fun and delicious way to change up your pesto game.


Give it a try – you might find your new favorite pesto recipe!


Next Up From ChaChingQueen

Deliciously Nutty: Making Pesto With Cashews Instead of Pine Nuts
Recipe details
  • 8  servings
  • Prep time: 5 Minutes Cook time: 5 Minutes Total time: 10 min
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Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons of garlic (this is a lot but it is how our kids like it)
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions

Combine basil, cashews, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor. Process until finely chopped.
With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil, processing until the mixture is smooth. You may not need the full 1/2 cup. Just keep pouring until the pesto is the consistency you prefer.
Store the pesto in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to several months.
Cha Ching Queen
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