No, pesto does not always have cashews. While cashews are a common ingredient in pesto, there are many variations that use different nuts, such as pine nuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds. Pesto is typically made with a combination of fresh herbs, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, so the exact ingredients can vary depending on what you have on hand. If you're looking for a cashew-free pesto recipe, you can try this one made with almonds and spinach.