This post may contain affiliate links which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Skip to Recipe Pin Jump to Video

This Vegan Cashew Pesto recipe could not be tastier! Made with just a handful of simple, healthy ingredients, this creamy vegan pesto makes a vibrant accompaniment to a variety of dishes.

Easy Vegan Cashew Pesto Recipe - This Vegan Basil Cashew Pesto recipe could not be tastier! Made with just a handful of simple, healthy ingredients, this creamy vegan pesto makes a vibrant accompaniment to variety of foods and dishes! #veganpesto #veganpestorecipe #easyveganpesto #cashewpesto #basilcashewpesto #vegancashewpesto

A Note From Kristen

This creamy Vegan Pesto recipe makes for a magnificent way to use fresh basil! It is so utterly delicious that you would never guess that it is completely dairy-free and without cheese. It’s most reminiscent of a classic basil pesto recipe, and can be enjoyed in a large variety of ways.
~Kristen

Why This Recipe Works

Super flavorful.
Easy to make.
Creamy.
Filled with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients.
Vegan, dairy-free, cheese-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free.

How to Make Vegan Cashew Pesto

01

COMBINE

Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor.

02

BLEND

Blend until smooth.

03

SALT

Salt to taste.

Top-down view of creamy vegan cashew pesto sauce being blended in a blender on a light gray textured surface.

04

SERVE

Use and enjoy!

A jar of vegan cashew pesto sauce is surrounded by cashew nuts and a basil leaf on a textured light blue surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan pesto recipe nut-free?
Yes! Simply use raw sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of the cashews!
Can I omit the nutritional yeast?
Yes. This vegan pesto will not have the same ‘cheesy’ undertones but will still be super delicious!
Can I replace the vinegar with lemon juice?
Yes. The apple cider vinegar can be replaced with either lemon or lime juice for similar results.

More Vegan Pesto Recipes You Might Enjoy

Sunny Spring Pea & Basil Vegan Pesto (Gluten-Free)

Cheesy Vegan Walnut Pesto Recipe

10-Minute Oregano Pesto Recipe

A jar of green pesto sits on a textured light blue surface, surrounded by cashew nuts and a basil leaf—perfectly paired with vegan zucchini fritters.

Vegan Cashew Pesto

5 from 5 votes

This Vegan Basil Cashew Pesto recipe could not be tastier! Made with just a handful of simple, healthy ingredients, this creamy vegan pesto makes a vibrant accompaniment to a variety of foods and dishes!

Author: Kristen Wood

Servings: servings

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Print Pin Rate Save

Course: Condiments, Vegan

Cuisine: Italian, Vegan

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup fresh basil packed
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves
salt to taste

Instructions

In a food processor or blender combine all of the above ingredients (except salt).
Blend until smooth.
Salt to taste.
Enjoy!

Notes

Storage

This Vegan Basil Cashew Pesto keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup

Have you tried this recipe?Please Rate + Comment Below!

4 Comments

Erin says:

10/21/2019 at 9:19 AM

I need to get my hands on some nutritional yeast! This sounds great.

Alisa Fleming says:

10/09/2019 at 3:19 PM

This recipe has two new-to-me things to try in pesto – cashews and vinegar! Sounds like a flavorful and creamy combo.

Noelle says:

10/07/2019 at 12:21 AM

How delicious! Perfect for so many dishes

Jules Shepard says:

10/02/2019 at 5:01 PM

I’m loving all the green on your page recently AND this looks so yummy!

Easy Vegan Cashew Pesto Recipe