Cilantro Pesto Recipe

Introduction

Cilantro pesto is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic Italian sauce. Using fresh cilantro and creamy cashews, this pesto adds a bright, herbal note to pasta, sandwiches, or grilled dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cilantro (chopped, including stems)
• ½ cup cashews
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a food processor or blender, combine the chopped cilantro, cashews, garlic cloves, and kosher salt.
2. Step 2: Pulse a few times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped and mixed.
3. Step 3: Add the lemon juice to the mixture.
4. Step 4: While the food processor or blender is running, slowly pour in the olive oil.
5. Step 5: Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add more olive oil if you need it to achieve your desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Step 7: If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil or lemon juice and blend again.
8. Step 8: Transfer the cilantro pesto to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the cashews lightly before blending for a deeper nutty flavor.
• Replace cashews with pine nuts or almonds for a different texture and taste.
• Add a handful of spinach or kale to boost the green color and add nutrients.
• Use fresh lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus note.

Storage

Store cilantro pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To keep it fresh longer, cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation. Reheat by stirring into warm pasta, or enjoy it chilled as a spread or dip.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze cilantro pesto?

Yes, cilantro pesto freezes well. Portion it into ice cube trays or small containers and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before use and stir well.

Is cilantro pesto gluten-free?

Yes, this pesto is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.

Cilantro Pesto Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 115 reviews

This vibrant Cilantro Pesto is a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional pesto, featuring bright cilantro, creamy cashews, and zesty lemon juice. Perfect as a sauce, dip, or spread, this easy-to-make recipe comes together in minutes using a food processor or blender.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: About 1 cup 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 2 cups cilantro, chopped (including stems)
• ½ cup cashews
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or blender, add the chopped cilantro, cashews, garlic cloves, and kosher salt together.
2. Pulse Mixture: Pulse the ingredients a few times to coarsely chop and mix them well.
3. Add Lemon Juice: Pour in the lemon juice into the mixture.
4. Incorporate Olive Oil: While the processor or blender is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to help the mixture emulsify.
5. Blend to Smooth: Continue blending until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Add additional olive oil if a thinner consistency is desired.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pesto and add more salt, lemon juice, or olive oil as needed to balance the flavors and texture.
7. Final Blend: If the pesto is too thick, add more olive oil or lemon juice and blend again for a perfect consistency.
8. Store: Transfer the finished cilantro pesto to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to one week.

Notes

• Cashews provide a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor; they can be toasted for added depth.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small jalapeño pepper.
• This pesto pairs wonderfully with pasta, grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a dip for vegetables.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to one week, or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.
• Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor; wilted or old cilantro can result in a less vibrant taste.

Keywords: cilantro pesto, pesto recipe, cilantro sauce, cashew pesto, easy pesto, vegan pesto, Mexican pesto