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Cha ching queen living a big life on a little budget.
ByErin Updated onJune 10, 2024 Reading Time: 5 minutes
Home » Eat » Deliciously Nutty: Making Pesto With Cashews Instead of Pine Nuts

Deliciously Nutty: Making Pesto With Cashews Instead of Pine Nuts

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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.

Table of Contents

  • Why Choose Cashews Over Pine Nuts?
  • A Family Affair: Making Pesto with Kids
  • Recipe for Cashew Pesto
  • Delicious Homemade Pesto With Cashews
  • Cashew Vs Pine Nut Cost Comparison
  • Pesto With Cashews
  • Next Up From ChaChingQueen

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.

Based on my research, a pound of cashews is about $6 a pound, compared to $23 a pound for pine nuts. That is on the low end!

Third, cashews offer a creamier texture compared to pine nuts. This can make your pesto even more indulgent and satisfying.

Finally, using cashews instead of pine nuts can be a great alternative for those who are allergic to pine nuts.

Related: Easy Healthy Pesto with Protein Recipe -Spinach and Almonds

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.

kids picking basil

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.

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

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.
Making Pesto With Cashews
Making Pesto With Cashews
Adding olive oil to make pesto with cashews instead of pine nuts
Adding cashews to the pesto
Pulsing pesto in a food processor
Pesto made with cashews
Making Pesto With Cashews

Delicious Homemade Pesto With Cashews

Erin
Discover the benefits of using cashews in your pesto! Save money, enjoy a creamier texture, and involve your kids in this fun and easy recipe.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Food Processor

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup olive oil you likely won't need this much
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp garlic this is a lot but it is how our kids like it

Instructions
 

  • Combine basil, cashews, Parmesan, and garlic in a food processor. Process until finely chopped.
    Making Pesto With Cashews
  • 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.
    Making Pesto With Cashews
  • Store the pesto in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to several months.
    Pesto made with cashews
Keyword cashews, pesto

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. Nuts in Bulk sells its cashews at $8.95 per pound, while Texas Pecan Co offers raw split cashews at $5.50 per pound and roasted/salted cashews at $5.95 per pound.

Texas Pecon Co offers the cheapest cashews I could find.

Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are often more expensive than cashews. They are sold for around $23 per pound and can even reach up to $45 per pound.

Pro Tip: We use cashew pieces. They cost less than whole cashews, and who cares that they are pieces since they are going in a food processor.

id=”88643″ link_id=”20414″ ref=”amzn-cashew-pieces-large-raw-10-bulk”]

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

  • Easy Healthy Pesto with Protein Recipe -Spinach and Almonds
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