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Cilantro Cashew Pesto

May 28, 2015 by Annie Chesson 41 Comments

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Cilantro Cashew Pesto -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

There is this restaurant in Charlotte called Cowfish, and it is one of my top three favorite restaurants that I have ever eaten at EVER. It is soooo so so so soooooooo SO good.

The point of the restaurant is the fusion between burgers and sushi – hence the name…Cowfish.

So aaaanyway, there is this one burgushi (their sushi/burger combo rolls) called the Taste Explosion that has this cilantro cashew pesto spread over the top. And it is pretty much the best part of the roll – we always ask for extra.

Cilantro Cashew Pesto -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

So I decided to recreate this delicious pesto for the blog!

It’s a super easy recipe and tastes just like the real stuff.

I may or may not have eaten several spoon fulls.

And by several I mean 8.

Don’t worry – when you make this and have 8 spoon fulls I won’t judge you either ;).

Cilantro Cashew Pesto -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

This pesto is so bright and fresh! I was skeptical that it would be WAY overpowering with all the cilantro, but surprisingly that flavor is pretty mellow. You taste cilantro but you definitely don’t just taste cilantro. It’s the perfect balance of flavors!

Did I mention how easy this is? Yes. I did. But I am going to mention it again.

All you do is throw some stuff in the food processor and vrrmmmm (my food processor noise…) – it’s all done!

Cilantro Cashew Pesto -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

And theeennn……..

Cilantro Cashew Pesto -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

Pesto!

You’ll love it, I promise.

On a completely non-pesto-related note, Seth and I got the house!

We were so excited! It’s definitely a teeny tiny baby house, but we’re fine with that. We are just so grateful to actually have a place of our own! And a yard for little Boonie.

We are officially leaving Georgia on June 9th.

Have I started packing yet? No. No I have not. Shhh……..

Cilantro Cashew Pesto -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

Instead I’ve been distracting myself with this delicious, gorgeous pesto :).

By the way, I recreated the Taste Explosion roll that I mentioned earlier (the roll at Cowfish that is the base for this yummy pesto) and will be posting it in the next few days. Restaurant copy cats are so fun!

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Cilantro Cashew Pesto

★★★★★

4.9 from 7 reviews

  • Author: Annie Chesson

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup packed cilantro leaves (about two bunches)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about one lemon)
  • 1/2 cup cashews
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4–1/2 cup water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Add the cilantro, lemon juice, cashews, and garlic into the food processor
  2. Turn on the food processor and drizzle in the olive oil and then the water
  3. Start with 1/4 cup of water. If you want the pesto thinner, add more water until you have achieved the consistency you prefer
  4. Season with salt and pulse a few more times to combine
  5. Taste and add any extra seasoning!

Did you make this recipe?

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*Gluten free and vegan*

If you make this or any of my other recipes, be sure to Instagram it and hashtag #thegarlicdiaries!

Cilantro Cashew Pesto -- TheGarlicDiaries.com

In the mood for more yummy condiments? Check these out!

Roasted Jalapeno Ranch

Peach Jalapeno Ketchup

Perfect Pesto Plus Three Uses

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: 30 Minute Meals, All Recipes, Condiments, Gluten Free, Vegetarian Tagged With: cashews, cilantro, cilantro pesto, Gluten Free, Pesto, Vegan, Vegetarian

« Perfect Guacamole
Cowfish Copycat “Taste Explosion” Roll »

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Comments

  1. Jane says

    January 7, 2020 at 3:23 pm

    I made this today using raw cashews (the kind I use to make cashew-coconut flour bread). It tasted very sweet. Next time i’ll Use roasted cashews.

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      January 14, 2020 at 2:07 pm

      Uh oh! Sorry about that! I hope it’s better next time with the roasted cashews :).

      Reply
  2. Kendra says

    August 19, 2019 at 7:22 pm

    I just made this pesto for a gluten free pasta dinner and it was so unbelievable amazing!!!! I took another comment user’s advice and added some nutritional yeast. It had the perfect cheesy taste, with a bit of cilantro and some nutty feel. Definitely recommend everyone to try this recipe…super easy in the food processor too! Thanks for a great pesto :)

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      September 9, 2019 at 12:13 pm

      Yay! SO glad you liked it Kendra!!

      Reply
  3. tracy says

    June 8, 2018 at 1:26 pm

    Made this for a sauce over some air fried tofu Very tasty Thanks!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      June 11, 2018 at 12:38 pm

      That sounds like a delicious use! So glad you liked it!

      Reply
  4. Ron says

    May 17, 2018 at 3:37 pm

    I made it! good stuff. I used sriracha flavoured cashews and extra garlic

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 18, 2018 at 11:06 am

      Yum! So glad you liked it!

      Reply
  5. Krista says

    March 22, 2018 at 7:27 pm

    Yum! Used this as a pizza sauce on a low carb crust with mozzarella cheese and chicken, coated in the pesto too. Make-again good!!!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      March 23, 2018 at 4:52 pm

      Ohhh, good idea! Sounds delish :). So glad you liked it!

      Reply
  6. Mina says

    February 16, 2018 at 7:39 pm

    This looks and sounds amazing! How long does it last if you store it in the fridge?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  7. Danielle says

    January 29, 2018 at 7:42 am

    I’ve made this pesto a few times now and I really like it! I love finding fun ways to work cilantro into dishes, and this is an amazing option for that. I like to add about a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to bring the flavor up another notch.

    Thanks for the great recipe!

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      January 29, 2018 at 10:24 am

      I’m so glad you liked it, Danielle!!

      Reply
  8. Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says

    June 9, 2015 at 2:43 pm

    Oooh I need to make this! I’ve been loving cashews lately, and I haven’t made pesto in awhile.

    Best of luck with your move, and congrats on the house!!! :)
    Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness recently posted…20 Interesting Health Magazine StatsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      June 16, 2015 at 8:57 pm

      You do need to make it, Nicole! The cashews are so yummy in it!

      Reply
  9. Alison says

    May 30, 2015 at 11:16 am

    Congratulations on the house!! This pesto looks delicious! I love how vibrant the colors are. I recently made these awesome Greek meatballs (which I’ll be sharing next week on the blog), but this pesto would be perfect to dip them in! Can’t wait to hear more about the house!
    Alison recently posted…Summer WhiteMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks, Alison! This would be a perfect dip for the meatballs :). You should try it!

      Reply
  10. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says

    May 29, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    Annie, this is so creative! Even if it’s a restaurant copy cat! I have totally been to Cowfish, but haven’t tried this pesto burger. CONGRATULATIONS on getting the house!
    Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…CONTEST – Name this CocktailMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:39 am

      Thanks, Rachelle! Yeeesss a fellow Cowfish-er!! You need to get it next time you go. Or the Marx roll. That’s a sushi roll and probably the best I’ve ever had anywhere.

      Reply
  11. Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says

    May 29, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    Delicious! And such a pretty color!
    Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Mahi Mahi with Chili Lime ButterMy Profile

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:38 am

      Thanks, Natalie! Beautiful color – it was fun to photograph!

      Reply
  12. lynn @ the actor's diet says

    May 29, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    Glorious! I love the name of that restaurant, too.
    lynn @ the actor’s diet recently posted…Pulling Mussels with RachelleMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:37 am

      I know! It’s weird name but it’s funny!

      Reply
  13. Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says

    May 29, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    This looks really nice Annie! The cilantro is kinda a cool mixup on pesto!
    Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat recently posted…Black Forest TriflesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:37 am

      Thanks, Shelby!

      Reply
  14. Annie @ ciaochowbambina says

    May 29, 2015 at 10:35 am

    I am a huge pesto fan but I’ve never made it with cashews! Love this idea!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:37 am

      I hadn’t either, Annie – but it is delicious!

      Reply
  15. Sues says

    May 29, 2015 at 9:57 am

    I would most definitely eat this with a spoon, too!! Is pesto soup a thing?? Yum!
    Sues recently posted…Brownie Coffee Ice CreamMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:36 am

      Haha we will make it a thing!!

      Reply
  16. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    May 29, 2015 at 9:37 am

    I’m a big fan of pesto in general, but I don’t think I am experimental enough with it. Someone suggested pistachio pesto to me today, so that and your recipe is next on my pesto list.
    Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Friday Favourites: Anniversary, Sleeping, Gadgets and Food by DanniiMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:36 am

      I don’t experiment enough with it either – this is actually my first go at a non basil based pesto. But they are so fun and easy to experiment with! I definitely plan on doing more of it in the future.

      Reply
  17. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    May 29, 2015 at 8:09 am

    I’m a total pesto fanatic, so this looks incredible! I’ve never had one made with cilantro before, so I bet this is so delicious!
    Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…20+ Strawberry RecipesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:35 am

      Me too, Gayle! You need to try it!!

      Reply
  18. Caitlin @ teaspoon says

    May 29, 2015 at 5:37 am

    I want to go to this restaurant that combines two of my favorite things immediately! A weird name, but now I get it :) This pesto looks awesome. Anything with cilantro is fine by me. Congrats on the new house! So Exciting!
    Caitlin @ teaspoon recently posted…Berry Avocado Smoothie BowlMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:35 am

      I know! It’s so awesome! It is a super weird name haha, but it makes sense. Thanks, Caitlin!

      Reply
  19. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says

    May 29, 2015 at 4:56 am

    Yay, congrats on getting the house! So exciting!
    This pesto looks amazing! I can’t get enough of homemade pesto during the summer with my garden basil but I’m loving this cilantro and cashew combo! I can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:33 am

      Thanks, Kelly! I think you’ll love it :).

      Reply
  20. Keri @ Fashionable Foods says

    May 28, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    That restaurant sounds so fun! This pesto looks so pretty and fresh – I so wish I liked cilantro. I’m not giving up, though so maybe this pesto will convince my taste buds that I like cilantro! Congrats on the house and good luck with moving! There’s a pretty big chance we will be moving next month and I’m already dreading the thought of packing and unpacking.
    Keri @ Fashionable Foods recently posted…Almond and Apple Chicken SaladMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 30, 2015 at 9:32 am

      It is such a fun restaurant! I would recommend this recipe to a cilantro hater for sure – there are so many other flavors going on in there and the cilantro is pretty mild! Ugh…packing. At least unpacking is satisfying because you are setting up your new home. But the packing and moving is the worst! Good luck to you too, Keri!!

      Reply
  21. Savita @ ChefDeHome says

    May 28, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    Annie, this pesto looks so delicious! Perfect for a lite pasta dinner! loving it!
    Savita @ ChefDeHome recently posted…By ChefDeHome- Coconut Lemonade SorbetMy Profile

    Reply
    • Annie Chesson says

      May 28, 2015 at 9:21 pm

      Thanks, Savita!!

      Reply

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Annie Chesson
I am a passionate Christian, wife, cooking addict, and mom to the two sweetest boys in the world! Join me in my journey to create delicious, flavorful food. More About Me...

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