Avocado Toast w/ Cashew-Basil Pesto [Vegan]

Come hither, millennials (says I, an avocado-loving millennial). This twist on regular ol’ avocado toast is sure to make you swoon.

I learned to make a variation of this delectable cashew-basil pesto when I worked as a vegan chef at the Pomegranate Cafe, located in Chandler, Arizona (please check it out, they’re aweeeesome). Since then, the go-to recipe has stayed with me.

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A few months ago, I decided to add it to avocado toast. And my oh my, the experience turned heavenly. So, of course, it’s only natural that I now (finally) share it with you.

Without further ado, the recipe for scrumptious avocado toast with cashew-basil pesto follows.

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420-Friendly Avocado Toast w/ Cashew-Basil Pesto [Vegan]

Serving Size: 1-2

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cashews
  • 2 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 3/4 cup basil (packed tightly)
  • 1/2 cup spinach
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 2 pieces of bread, toasted

Directions:

  1. In a food processor, grind cashews until they turn into a powder.
  2. Add minced garlic, 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice, sea salt, and nutritional yeast. Pulse 1-3 times.
  3. Continue to pulse the mixture as you add basil, spinach, and olive oil in stages. You want a crumbly and slightly wet pesto. (If you don’t have a food processor, you can blend the ingredients together; this will change the texture, however)
  4. Transfer the pesto into an airtight container. It will store up to two weeks.
  5. To serve, toast two pieces of bread in a toaster. You may choose to slather the pieces of toast with coconut oil or ghee beforehand (the second is not vegan) before spreading the delicious pesto on top. Decorate the toast with avocado, sprouts, and tomato. Enjoy!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Comment your thoughts below and share it with your friends!

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How else can you use the cashew-basil pesto? Add it to zucchini noodles for a fresh and zingy pasta, spread on toast (as is recommended below), or dip crackers and vegetables into it. The options are endless!

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with friends and comment your thoughts below.

Until next time,

Mandy-Froelich