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almond pesto in a bowl
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Vegan Basil Pesto with Almonds/Cashews (Easy Dairy-free Pesto)

This Vegan Basil Pesto recipe is a dairy-free version of classic pesto that uses almonds or cashews for the creaminess. With fresh basil leaves, nuts, and flavorful seasonings, this pesto sauce will please everyone. Enjoy this quick and easy vegan pesto today with pasta, sandwiches, and many more!
Course Sauce
Cuisine Global, Italian
Keyword almond pesto, cashew basil pesto, vegan basil pesto
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1499kcal

Equipment

  • Food processor

Ingredients

  • 100 gms fresh basil leaves around 5 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 100 gms almonds or cashews (around ¾ cup)
  • 100 gms extra virgin olive oil approximately ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic pods
  • ½ teaspoon pepper powder
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Take a food processor or blender jar.
  • Add almonds or cashews, garlic, black pepper powder, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice to the food processor. 
    100 gms almonds, 100 gms extra virgin olive oil, 2 garlic pods, ½ teaspoon pepper powder, ½ teaspoon lemon juice, Salt to taste
  • Blend these ingredients into a rough paste, which will be the pesto's base.
  • Now add basil leaves to the food processor and blend it continuously until you reach the desired consistency. If you wish, you can grind it into a smooth paste. I like it to be a little chunkier.
    100 gms fresh basil leaves
  • Transfer this vegan pesto sauce into clean, dry glass jars or airtight containers. Top the basil pesto with some olive oil to prevent oxidization.
  • Enjoy this vegan basil pesto with cashews/almonds that is flavorful and delicious.

Notes

  1. Adjust olive oil according to your preference.
  2. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for a month.
  3. To keep it fresh, store this in an airtight glass container.
  4. Top it with olive oil to prevent oxidization.
  5. Cashews can be replaced with almonds or walnuts or pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Nutrition values are my rough estimates. Please feel free to use your calculator if you rely on them for your diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 1499kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 151g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g | Monounsaturated Fat: 105g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 1076mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5693IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 459mg | Iron: 8mg