Name: Vegan Cashew Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Gluten-Free)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 8 oz gluten-free pasta, cooked according to the directions on the package; CASHEW PESTO; 3/4 cup raw cashews; 2 cups fresh basil + extra for decoration (measured before washing); 1 garlic cloves; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil; 3-4 tbsp filtered water; 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1/4 - 1/2 tsp himalayan salt or more; 1/2cup sun dried tomatoes or more; 1/4 cup water

This vegan Cashew Pesto Pasta tossed with Sun-Dried tomatoes is the perfect dish for one of those busy weekdays. The recipe takes under 30 minutes to prepare and it’s all you need! The easy vegan cashew pesto goes perfectly with any pasta you like.

Vegan Cashew Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes food photography

You know one of those nights when you’re tired after all day but feel like eating a bowl of homemade pasta? This is it! The perfect recipe for when you don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen. You make the pesto while the pasta is boiling and then toss it all together!

This cashew pesto chickpea pasta is still one of the most popular recipes on the blog. So many of you have made this and loved it! And honestly, it’s one of my and my husband’s favorite too. I love making pesto because it’s super easy to whip up and it can be used in so many ways. I always keep a jar of homemade pesto in the fridge and use to spread on sandwiches, pizza and toss it with pasta! The cashew pesto is truly out of this world.

ALL THE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE VEGAN CASHEW PESTO WITH BASIL

raw cashews

fresh basil

garlic

lemon juice

avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil

filtered water

nutritional yeast

himalayan salt

HOMEMADE CASHEW PESTO

Traditional pesto is made with a huge amount of cheese, oil and pine nuts. I decided to make it vegan by swapping cheese with nutritional yeast, which adds an amazing cheesy flavor and extra nutrients. Instead of pine nuts, I used raw cashews which make pesto super creamy. They are also more common to buy and cheaper!

WHAT IS NUTRITIONAL YEAST

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast, which means yeast cells are killed during processing and inactive in the final product. It has a nutty, cheesy, and savory flavor which makes it perfect for vegan dishes! It also contains many vitamins B, protein and trace minerals.

HOW TO MAKE VEGAN CASHEW PESTO

First, toast cashews on a stovetop until golden brown. That brings out all the flavor. Let it cool. In a blender or food processor, combine toasted cashews, basil, garlic, oil, water, nutritional yeast and salt. Blend until creamy but still a little chunky!

This cashew pesto pasta dish will make such a great meal when you’re looking for something both comforting and healthy. Also, since it’s so easy and quick to prepare you can make it even if short on time. I also added some chopped dried tomatoes for a kick of color and delicious flavor.

THIS IS WHY YOU HAVE TO MAKE THIS RECIPE ASAP

It’s made with simple and minimal ingredients
Easy to make
Loaded with healthy fats
Gluten Free
Vegan
SO DELICIOUS!!!

If you’re looking for more vegan recipes with pesto check out some of my favorites

If you’re hungry for some more healthy and simple vegan recipes check out my other recipes! If you’d like to stay updated, go ahead and like my page on Facebook or follow on Instagram. Did you make the recipe yourself?? Don’t forget to use hashtag #natteats and tag @natteats. I love seeing your creations!