Chestnut Free Cilantro-Lime Spinach Cashew Pesto
Bright, herby, and packed with bold flavor, this cashew-based pesto is the kind of sauce that makes everything it touches taste better — pasta, grain bowls, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, you name it. The combination of fresh cilantro and baby spinach gives it a vivid green color and a layered, garden-fresh taste, while lime juice and zest cut through the richness with just the right amount of citrusy punch. Raw cashews do the heavy lifting here, blending down into a creamy, slightly textured base that feels indulgent without being heavy. For anyone navigating tree nut restrictions, it's worth knowing that chestnuts belong to an entirely different botanical family than cashews, so this recipe sidesteps that concern completely while still delivering a luscious, nut-forward pesto. A touch of garlic and optional ground cumin round out the flavor and give it a subtle warmth that keeps you coming back for another spoonful. The whole thing comes together in a food processor in just a few quick pulses, making it an easy weeknight staple or a crowd-pleasing addition to your next dinner spread. Make a batch, stash it in the fridge, and watch it disappear faster than you expected.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed
- 1 cup baby spinach, loosely packed
- ½ cup raw cashews
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- ½ tsp lime zest
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp water, as needed
Instructions
- 1
Add the cilantro, spinach, cashews, garlic, lime juice, and lime zest to a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and the cashews are broken down into small pieces.
- 2
With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto comes together into a thick, slightly textured paste, about 20–30 seconds. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula.
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