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    Home » Recipes » Sides & Appetizers

    Easy Basil Pesto Recipe (Gluten Free, Low Carb)

    Published: Feb 6, 2020 by Stephanie 7 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read full disclosure.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Basil Pesto Recipe is an easy five ingredient recipe for basil pesto that comes together in under 10 minutes. Basil cashew pesto that is great on pasta, as a bread topping and so much more. Gluten Free, Quick, Easy, Low Carb.basil pesto in a white bowl

     

    Fresh and flavorful homemade pesto that is seriously so simple to make you'll never buy the jarred stuff again!

    And to be quite honest I've never found a ready made version that we really liked...

    Hubby said he didn't care for pine nuts which is what you find in most of the store bought brands.

    So making my own pesto with fresh basil and cashews turned out to be the perfect solution.

    We also enjoy this Arugula pesto and it's a great way to switch up the flavors in pesto!

    HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BASIL PESTO

    It really starts with making sure you have the freshest ingredients available...

    And since you only need a handful you don't want to skimp on those!

    Then you just blend it all up in the food processor and you're good to go.

    INGREDIENTS FOR BASIL PESTO

    • Fresh Basil
    • Garlic
    • Olive Oil
    • Parmesan Cheese
    • Raw Cashews

     

    ingredients for basil pesto

     

    CAN I SWAP OUT THE NUTS

    Yes... you can easily swap out the nuts.

    Pesto works with a variety of different nuts such as walnuts, almonds or even pine nuts if you're a fan.

    And even though we're not a fan of pine nuts they can also be a little pricey.  So another reason to try a different nut in pesto!

    RECIPE TIPS AND NOTES

    Use freshly picked basil if you have it or the freshest you can find at the supermarket...

    Fresh basil doesn't store well in the fridge so it's best to make it within a couple days once you have the basil.

    Use a good quality parmesan cheese and grate it yourself.

    Pesto will keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to five days.

     

    basil pesto on a spoon

     

    OTHER HOMEMADE SAUCES TO TRY...

    Easy Homemade Barbecue Sauce (Vegan, Gluten Free)

    Quick  Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce

    Healthy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

     

    AND IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE PLEASE BE SURE TO LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW…..

    I’d love to hear if you make this & how you like it. Plus please be sure to include a star rating.

     

    Basil pesto in a white bowl with a spoon

     

     

     

    Until next time-xoxo

     

     

    Stephanie

     

     

     

     

     

    basil pesto in a white bowl
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    5 from 1 vote

    Easy Basil Pesto Recipe (Gluten Free, Low Carb)

    Basil Cashew Pesto is ready in under 10 minutes and is great as an appetizer or on pasta, pizza and so much more.
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 220kcal
    Author Stephanie

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed tightly
    • ⅓ cup raw cashews
    • 4 cloves chopped garlic
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
    • salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Place basil leaves and cashews in food processor and pulse till combined.
    • Add chopped garlic and pulse again till incorporated.
    • Slowly add in olive oil and continue to pulse
    • Add parmesan cheese and pulse again till everything is smooth and incorporated.
    • Season with salt & pepper.
    • Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 5 days.

    Notes

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    *Nutrition Disclaimer

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.6g | Protein: 4.1g | Fat: 22.2g | Saturated Fat: 4.3g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.4g | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @applesforcjblog or tag #applesforcj

    Updated-originally posted August 2017

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. brian white

      July 12, 2020 at 3:11 pm

      Absolutely delicious

      Reply
      • Stephanie

        July 12, 2020 at 3:57 pm

        Thanks Brian!🥰

        Reply
    2. savorthebestcooks

      September 02, 2017 at 2:46 am

      I love pesto and this is a great combination. I will freeze leftover pesto in ice cube trays and it comes in so handy

      Reply
    3. Mary // Chattavore

      September 02, 2017 at 12:42 am

      Pesto is one of my favorite things! Your recipe looks great. I've never made it with cashews before!

      Reply
    4. Ginny

      September 02, 2017 at 12:30 am

      Pesto is going on everything in my house lately. I have to sub the parmesan for non dairy but it still works great. Love your recipe.

      Reply
    5. laurenpallasLauren

      September 02, 2017 at 12:20 am

      This looks so delicious! Trying this for sure!

      Reply
    6. Marsha

      September 01, 2017 at 11:05 pm

      This pesto looks absolutely delicious!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Stephanie! The Recipe developer and writer behind APPLES FOR CJ. Welcome to my Happy Place! Here you'll find a collection of my Best Gluten Free & Vegetarian recipes, along with some healthy lifestyle tips. Hope you'll stay awhile!

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