Perfect Vegan Pesto

I feel like I’ve just had a major break-through.  I’ve made vegan pesto for years.  It’s been OK.  There would be this lovely basil plant, I would crave pesto, try some some vegan recipes and then decide to leave pesto alone for a while…  After repeating this cycle a few times, I kinda gave up on vegan pesto.  Until today….  I had extra basil in the fridge.  Couldn’t let it waste!  This time I decided to make the pesto with cashews instead of all the pine nuts and walnuts I’ve tried before.  Somehow all the other ingredients blended perfectly.  I don’t know if it is just me, but the kids and I devoured this stuff.  They crowed over it – and they HATE pesto.  I think this is a total win.  You just have to try it!!  Tell me what you think!!!

There is some lovely vegan parmesan on this pasta too.  I totally make the recipe exactly as found here:

http://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-vegan-parmesan-cheese/

One of my next posts is going to be featuring this pesto being used on top of one of my other cravings…:-)  And no, I’m not pregnant;-).

Perfect Pesto (vegan)

Course: Sauces

Cuisine: American, Italian

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 144 kcal

This pesto is absolutely 100% tasty.  On pasta, pizza, Italian subs, or breadsticks, it's charms are absolutely irresistible!!

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Ingredients

• 1/2 C. Raw Cashews Pieces are fine
• 4 Cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
• 2 T. Nutritional Yeast
• 1 T. Lemon Juice
• 1/4 C. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 C. Basil Leaves pressed firmly into cup

Instructions

1. In a food processor or blender, grind up the cashews into a coarse meal.  Then add everything else and process until mostly smooth. The cashews will still be just a bit chunky and that is totally ok. In fact, I think it’s more authentic that way. Enjoy!!;-)

2. Add Garlic and pulse.

3. Then add everything else and process until mostly smooth. The cashews will still be just a bit chunky and that is totally ok. In fact, I think it’s more authentic that way. Enjoy!!;-)

4. Now, mix it in your pasta, top your pizza, spread on a bruschetta style sandwich, or just eat it with a spoon….

Nutrition Facts

Perfect Pesto (vegan)

Amount Per Serving (3 Tablespoons)

Calories 144 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 13g 20%

Saturated Fat 2g 10%

Sodium 320mg 13%

Potassium 97mg 3%

Total Carbohydrates 4g 1%

Protein 2g 4%

Vitamin A 4.2%

Vitamin C 1.6%

Calcium 1.5%

Iron 5.2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.