I have a big bunch of basil and am thinking of making pesto. I don't have any pine nuts however and frankly they are very expensive. Can I use some other kind of nut for pesto?
I always suggest that people use cashews, because they have a mild, buttery flavor similar to pine nuts.
I've made pesto several times with pistachios. It really tastes good, I recommend it.
I'd use pecans, just because they're my favorite They would crush up more easily than almonds. I'm sure pistachios would be good, too; I haven't tried it.
Ive used both walnuts and cashews with no issues. Both come out great every time.
And its to the point that I can't even remember the last time I made pesto with pine nuts.
I usually use walnuts. I have also used pecans, but they usually cost more than walnuts around here.
Ive done a sunflower seed pesto in the past too and was very good ( thanks for reminding me, I almost forgot about it).
I have a walnut tree and make walnut pesto. Walnuts work with olive oil but I've also used walnut oil that I get at Trader Joe's. Never hear a complaint either way.