Vegan Cashew Kale Pesto (GF)

If you’ve ever tried this delight from Trader Joe’s and you’re like me you’re wondering why you are buying and it and not making it? If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s and are like, what are you talking about, then here’s your ticket to one of the best pesto’s I’ve ever tried that’s vegan and FULL of flavor!

I started reading the ingredients and figured this was too easy not to make and I really am trying to cut down even more on products I’m purchasing “packaged” because although its seemingly healthy, its still processed. So, I’ve found the solution and now I’ve created this amazing new pesto that YOU can make at home! Thanks, Trader Joe’s for the idea!

So its very simple actually, you really just need a few ingredients and your handy blender and you’re in! I’ve really simplified this recipe and wanted to make it accessible for anyone.

I use this pesto on everything from homemade pizza sauce to my pasta dishes! This recipe is great becuase you can keep some of the mixture for the fridge or freeze the leftover for later use so you don’t feel like you’re in a rush to use it up!

Now, let’s get ready to dive into the ingredients!

Ingredients:

  • 2 handfuls fresh rinsed organic kale chopped and de-stemmed

  • 3-4 fresh basil leaves chopped

  • 3-4 roasted garlic cloves

  • 1/2 fresh lemon or 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1/2 tsp pepper

  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

  • 3/4 cup cashews

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1/4 cup water

Directions:

  1. Roast 1 garlic bulb in foil for 20 minutes @425. I usually do this 1x a week so I have roasted cloves on hand and I just refrigerate the remaining

  2. Rinse Kale and Basil. Take 3-4 basil leaves, remove the stems and chop. Take 3-4 stems of kale, cut off the stems and chop finely.

  3. Pour all ingredients into blender - kale, basil, cashews, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon, garlic & approx 1/4 cup of water to start. Blend and add the remaining water if needed.

  4. Blend for approx 10-20 seconds depending on the blender. Remove and store in small containers. Refrigerate one and freeze the others. Makes approx 8-10 servings.

I hope you enjoy! If you’ve tried the Trader Joe’s version I’d love to hear your feedback! TAG me on social media OR comment below!

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