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    Home » Pesto recipes » Rocket and Cashew Pesto

    Rocket and Cashew Pesto

    Published: May 10, 2020 · Modified: Dec 30, 2020 by Adrianne · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    Rocket and Cashew Pesto with text over lay

    Rocket and Cashew Pesto is a twist on the classic rocket pesto where we use cashew nuts instead of pine nuts.This easy pesto recipe is versatile and can be used for Rocket Pesto Pasta.. Use as a dip, on fish or flat breads! Rocket and Cashew Peso in a glass jar with spoon to the left

    Dips and spreads are handy recipes that have many uses. Olive Tapenade recipes are good for entertaining as you can use them as a simple topping for bruschetta and crackers. Our Easy Crostini calls for toppings galore! 

    Pesto is an easy recipe made in the food processor.

    Our Artichoke Olive Tapenade, Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade and Easy Green Olive Tapenade are ideas where you can make the recipes to serve or use them to stir through pasta or serve on fish or chicken.  For a quick snack pair with homemade pita chips!

    Flat breads, pasta sauce, sandwich spreads are perfect ways to use pesto! 

    Use this pesto as an alternative to the Basil and Cashew Pesto in our Pesto Penne with walnut crumb. 

    BROWSE BY:

    Appetizer recipes  Popular recipes Quick and Easy recipes

    How do you make pesto from scratch?

    Making pesto from scratch is very easy. We combine all of the ingredients in our food processor, blitz to chop and combine, then add lemon juice to taste.  

    As the rocket leaves have a peppery, somewhat bitter taste, the pesto needs to be tasted after blitzing so we can add enough lemon juice to balance the flavours. 

    Pesto recipe with pine nuts

    The most popular and well known version of pesto is basil pesto. 

    Basil Pesto is made using fresh basil, pine nuts (which can be toasted or untoasted), garlic, olive oil and parmesan cheese. 

    It is a unique tasting recipe and a great way to use up basil leaves!

    Pesto recipe without pine nuts

    Pine nuts don't always have to be used in making pestos, another type of nut can be used to create a different pesto recipe from the standard. 

    As we have done with this recipe, cashews are the substitute for pine-nuts, you can also use walnuts if you like! 

    For vegan aruguia pesto, use a substitue for the parmesan cheese. 

    Pesto Uses

    There are many ways to serve pesto and here are a few of them:

    • stirred through pasta
    • as a pizza sauce
    • spread on cooked meats and fish
    • on flatbreads
    • as a dip
    • spread for toast 
    • dressing for a salad

    Substitute it for the cream pasta sauce in the Smoked Salmon Spaghetti for an easy weeknight dinner!

    Add a little bacon and whip up the Bacon Pesto Pasta for something different. 

    Once you make it and store it in the fridge, you will find you want to spread it on EVERYTHING! 

    Rocket and Cashew ingredients

    We use simple, easy to find ingredients for this recipe. The photo below shows you what you need:

    Rocket and cashew ingredients on a marble background with text over lay

    As you can see, we have:

    • rocket leaves
    • garlic
    • olive oil
    • parmesan cheese
    • cashews
    • lemon juice 

    The lemon juice doesn't go into the pesto until the very end where we taste the pesto and adjust the flavour! 

    How to make Rocket Pesto

    The photos below are step by step showing you how to make this pesto in the food processor:

    Process shots for rocket pesto 1 to 4 with text over lay

    1. Add rocket leaves to food processor bowl (Photo 1)
    2. Add parmesan cheese (Photo 2)
    3. Garlic (Photo 3)
    4. Cashews (Photo 4)

    You can toast the cashews for 3-4 mins in a pan on the stove for an extra depth of flavour! 

    Process shots for rocket pesto with text over lay

    • Add olive oil (shown in photo 5)
    • all ingredients ready to blitz (shown in photo 6)
    • blitz for approx 10 seconds to combine (shown in photo 7)
    • taste, add lemon juice, blitz again, repeat tasting and continue until pesto is fresh and balanced (shown in photo 8)

     You will achieve the perfect flavour through the process of adding the lemon juice at the very end to neutralise any bitterness. 

    You guys know that I love my before and after shots to show you the cooking process. The photos below show you the pesto ingredients in the food processor ready to be blitzed and after the food processor has blitzed and combined (10 seconds)
    Before and after shot of rocket pesto in food processor

    Rocket and Cashew pesto recipe quick info:

    About the recipe:

    • we only need 6 ingredients for this recipe! 
    • bottled lemon juice is fine! 
    • you can toast the cashews or leave them as it (faster)
    • I use roasted unsalted cashews

    FAQs about Cashew Rocket Pesto

    1. this is a vegetarian recipe
    2. blitz for less than 10 seconds
    3. you make make the pesto ahead of time
    4. the pesto will last for 1 week in the fridge
    5. the recipe makes about 1 cup of pesto

    Your quick questions answered:

    1. This is a quick and easy recipe
    2. Store in the fridge in a sealed jar
    3. This is a FREEZER FRIENDLY recipe
    4. This is an EASY recipe

    Looking into a jar of rocket pesto that is laying on its side

    Expert tips:

    These tips are to help you master this recipe from the 1st time you make it:

    • add all of your ingredients to the food processor and blitz at the one time
    • keep the blitz time short, it will take less than 10 seconds.
    • once the ingredients are blitzed, taste the pesto, then add lemon and combine to get the flavour spot on and not bitter! 
    • freeze this receipe ahead of timie and defrosted as needed 

    Rocket and Cashew pesto in a glass jar with spoon to the left

    Use the pesto in place of a traditional tomato based pizza sauce!

    Find us on Facebook right here! 

    Toast pita chips in the oven till brown and use the pesto as a spread for a light lunch. 

    Easy pesto recipe spread on pita chips on a white plate

    Dip and spread recipes 

    For fuss free entertaining try these recipes:

    1. Chicken Liver Pate
    2. Easy Green Olive Tapenade
    3. Grazing Platter (to feed a crowd)
    4. Sun-Dried Tomato Tapenade
    5. Olive Tapenade

    Or for the easiest vegetarian spaghetti try the Arugula Pesto Pasta! Rocket Pesto Spread on toasted pita chips on a white plate

    PIN and save this recipe for later! 

    Rocket and Cashew Pesto in a jar with a spoon to the left

    Rocket and Cashew Pesto

    Rocket and Cashew Pesto is a twist on the classic rocket pesto using cashew nuts instead of pine nuts.This easy pesto recipe is versatile.  
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: Australian
    Keyword: easy pesto recipe, homemade pesto, rocket pesto
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 192kcal
    Author: Adrianne

    Equipment

    • Food processor

    Ingredients

    Rocket and Cashew Pesto

    • 2 cups rocket leaves Note 1
    • ½ cup parmesan cheese Note 2
    • ½ cup cashew nuts Note 3
    • ½ cup olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic peeled, end cut
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice Note 4

    Instructions

    Rocket and Cashew Pesto

    • Add rocket leaves, parmesan cheese, garlic, cashews and olive oil to the bowl of a food processor. Place the lid on and blitz for less then 10 seconds till chopped and combined.
    • Remove lid and taste pesto. Add lemon juice according to taste to balance any bitterness. Blitz for 2-4 seconds again till combined. Repeat till desired taste achieved.
    • Store in a sealed jar for up to 1 week in the fridge. Recipe makes 1 cup of rocket and cashew pesto.

    Video

    Notes

    • Note 1 Rocket and arugula are both names for the same thing. Often called rocket in Australia/New Zealand and argula in America and Canada. 
    • Note 2 I have used both shredded or grated parmesan cheese in homemade pestos. Either work fine. These are the cheese that is in the cold section of the supermarket with the other cheeses, not the pasta variety on the shelf. 
    • Note 3 I use roasted unsalted cashews
    • Note 4 Bottled lemon juice is totally fine to use (and more likley you will have this than a fresh lemon). See the notes where I indicate that we add this at the end to counter any bitter taste from the rocket, taste as you go. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 103mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe? Share on Instagram!It makes my day when you make my recipes! Tag @sweetcaramelsunday

    Healthy Pesto recipe

    Let me tell you, you will be using this pesto for EVERYTHING! 

    Yes, store bought is fine, but there is a time and a place. And your kitchen and your crackers are not the time and place for store bought. Try it and you will LOVE the versatility and great flavour. 

    I've got your pesto needs sorted and your flatbread is covered (haha but true, OMG so good!) 

    Let me know if you have any questions, I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below. 

    Adrianne xx

    RELATED RECIPES:

    Artichoke Olive Tapenade Chicken Liver Pate Sun-dried Tomato Tapenade

    Family Favourites Pasta recipes  Popular recipes  Quick and Easy recipes 

     
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    Comments

    1. Cathy says

      May 10, 2020 at 7:59 am

      5 stars
      This sauce looks amazing! I love all the uses! Cannot wait to make this recipe! So easy too!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        May 10, 2020 at 8:54 am

        Thanks Cathy! Hope you love it. Cheers

        Reply
    2. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

      May 10, 2020 at 8:08 am

      5 stars
      Pine nuts are so expensive so I love the idea of using a different nut in pesto and the rocket adds a new dimension too.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        May 10, 2020 at 8:54 am

        That is great feedback, thanks Amanda!

        Reply
    3. Alice | SkinnySpatula says

      May 10, 2020 at 8:58 am

      5 stars
      OMG, this pesto looks seriously amazing. Never thought of using rocket salad in pesto, but seeing your pics, I think it totally works!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        May 10, 2020 at 9:28 am

        Thanks Alice!! Love your feedback, cheers.

        Reply
    4. Alison says

      May 10, 2020 at 12:34 pm

      5 stars
      I'm used to basil pesto but this pesto has a unique flavor with the rocket leaves. Delish!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 27, 2020 at 6:46 am

        I am so glad to hear you like it Alison, cheers for your feedback.

        Reply
    5. Sophie says

      May 10, 2020 at 2:00 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, a classic twist to the traditional pesto. Love this and on my list to make these.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        May 10, 2020 at 4:42 pm

        Thanks Sophie! That is great to hear, hope you try it and enjoy.

        Reply
    6. Sandhya H says

      August 26, 2020 at 9:44 am

      5 stars
      I am always up for a Pesto recipe!! Love that you are using cashew nuts in this - its such a fab alternative to pinenuts.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 27, 2020 at 6:47 am

        Thanks Sandhya! Yes I love the taste of cashews and in pesto they really compliment the other flavours. Cheers for your feedback.

        Reply
    7. Chris Collins says

      August 26, 2020 at 10:03 am

      5 stars
      I'm always looking for new pesto variations so this is right up my street! I also love cashews and rocket so much 🙂

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 27, 2020 at 6:48 am

        Thanks Chris. That is great to hear. Yes, it is great to try new variations isn't it, I love doing that also, cheers for your feedback.

        Reply
    8. Cristie says

      August 26, 2020 at 12:21 pm

      5 stars
      I love the idea of adding rocket. I bet the pepperiness adds a wonderful flavour. Can't wait to try it now.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 27, 2020 at 6:55 am

        Thanks Cristie! Absolutely it does indeed. It has such a unique great tasting flavour. Thanks

        Reply
    9. Shelley says

      August 26, 2020 at 12:31 pm

      5 stars
      What a creative and delicious twist on traditional pesto, leveraging that peppery bite of rocket, combined with the warm, nutty, almost-sweet notes of cashews! So quick and simple, and I loved that you offered lots of suggestions for ways to use it ! Oh - and extra-awesome that it can be frozen, so I can make a big batch whenever I can find some rocket, and then have it on hand anytime!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 27, 2020 at 6:55 am

        Thanks Shelley for your feedback, it is great to hear and much appreciated. Yes, so easy to freeze and I love making a huge batch of it also. Appreciate your comments. Cheers

        Reply
    10. Sue says

      August 26, 2020 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      It's been really hard to find pine nuts lately at my grocery store, so I love the use of cashews. I'm really looking forward to trying this different take on pesto!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 26, 2020 at 7:43 pm

        That is interesting to hear Sue, yes, its tricky to get all of your usual ingredients isn't it!! Thanks for your feedback, appreciate it.

        Reply
    11. Katie says

      August 26, 2020 at 8:00 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like something that my family would be all over. Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 27, 2020 at 6:56 am

        Thanks Katie! I hope you give it a go and that your home family is able to enjoy it together.

        Reply
    12. Rebecca says

      August 26, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      Rocket/Arugula pesto is so good! But I haven't made it with cashews before. definitely need to now! thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 27, 2020 at 6:58 am

        Cheers Rebecca, I hope you give it a go and enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
    13. Pris says

      August 26, 2020 at 9:06 pm

      5 stars
      Rocket pesto??? I've never thought... Thank you for the idea, I have to try it! I am CRAZY about good homemade pesto, I just eat it of the spoon, but it's so hard to get fresh basil where I live 🙁

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 27, 2020 at 6:59 am

        Sounds like this recipe is perfect for you Pris! Pity about the basil but if you can find rocket leaves, definitely give this a go, I am confident you will enjoy the flavours.

        Reply
    14. Dionne says

      August 26, 2020 at 9:46 pm

      5 stars
      One of the best pesto recipes I've seen! Absolutely phenomenal color and the instructions seem incredibly easy to follow!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 27, 2020 at 7:00 am

        Thank-you for your feedback Dionna, I loved reading it. Glad to hear that the instructions and photos appeal to you. Happy cooking!

        Reply
    15. Suzy says

      August 26, 2020 at 10:30 pm

      5 stars
      I love finding out that rocket and arugula are the same thing! This is amazing and so tasty!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 27, 2020 at 7:01 am

        Cheers Suzy! Happy to hear that you learnt something new. Thanks for your comments.

        Reply
    16. Jacqueline Meldrum says

      August 28, 2020 at 9:07 am

      5 stars
      I prefer cashews in homemade pesto and I make a similar one to this so I know how good it tastes. Looks lush!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 29, 2020 at 1:26 am

        Thanks Jacqueline!! Cashews are great in pesto aren't they! A nice change from pine nuts, especially if you can't get easily. Thanks for your feedback.

        Reply
    17. Dannii says

      August 28, 2020 at 9:22 am

      5 stars
      What a great twist on pesto. I love anything with cashews.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 29, 2020 at 1:26 am

        Thanks Dannii, it is great to have your feedback!!

        Reply
    18. Mahy says

      August 28, 2020 at 9:46 am

      5 stars
      I just can never get tired of pesto. It is something I almost always have on the side and enjoy eating with my favorite meals. Your recipe looks super easy, too, which is great!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 29, 2020 at 1:27 am

        Thanks Mahy! I loved reading your feedback. Yes, it is a super easy recipe, cheers for commenting.

        Reply
    19. kim says

      August 28, 2020 at 11:12 am

      5 stars
      This recipe was absolutely delicious with the best flavor! Will definitely be making again and again!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        August 29, 2020 at 1:28 am

        Thanks Kim! So glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe, appreciate your feedback. Cheers

        Reply
    20. Dannii says

      September 24, 2020 at 7:27 am

      5 stars
      We love pesto as a quick and easy meal and I love the twist on this.

      Reply
    21. Anjali says

      September 24, 2020 at 7:46 am

      5 stars
      This pesto recipe was amazing!! It was a nice twist on the traditional basil pesto I typically make - and my whole family loved it!

      Reply
    22. Sandhya's Kitchen says

      September 24, 2020 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      We love Pesto made with cashewnuts, specially as Pinenuts are so expensive! This recipe is a great twist to the classic basil pesto.

      Reply
    23. Shashi says

      September 24, 2020 at 9:49 am

      5 stars
      I love your use of cashews instead of pine nuts - pine nuts are pricey and sometimes hard to find - but cashews are plentiful in my neck f the woods - looking forward to trying this spin on pesto - looks absolutely delish!

      Reply
    24. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

      September 24, 2020 at 10:02 am

      5 stars
      This is such a delicious pesto recipe, we love it and it is a real family favourite!

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        September 26, 2020 at 9:53 pm

        That is great to hear Bintu! Thanks so much for your feedback.

        Reply
    25. Sadia Malik says

      April 11, 2021 at 6:45 am

      5 stars
      I love both cashews and pine nuts but a change up now and then is delicious. It is good.

      Reply
    26. Jacqueline Meldrum says

      April 11, 2021 at 10:29 am

      5 stars
      I love rocket in pesto for that peppery bite. I usually use cashews to make it too so I know I'd love your pesto and just how good it will taste

      Reply
    27. Claudia Lamascolo says

      April 11, 2021 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      I grow herbs all year round and never thought to try cashews we always used walnuts! cant wait to make this tonight great fresh recipe!

      Reply
    28. Jenn says

      April 11, 2021 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      This pesto is so good and so much more affordable to make - I could eat it just off the end of a spoon!

      Reply
    29. Beth says

      April 11, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love having this recipe on hand! We love it on our pizzas for pizza night and pasta too! So delicious and tasty!

      Reply

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    I'm Adrianne.

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