This cilantro pesto features a wonderfully chunky mix of cilantro, lime, garlic, jalapeño, and pistachios, creating a spread that’s perfect for dolloping on bowls, slathering on wraps, or however you desire!
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Cilantro Pesto Is My New Favorite Shade Of Green.
This vibrant green condiment has truly become a cherished friend.
With its zesty lime, a hint of heat, and yes, the delightful chunkiness, the cilantro and lime along with jalapeño take charge of the flavors, but let’s spotlight the pistachios that bring in a creamy, salty, almost roasted note, all while keeping the texture appealingly chunky for spreading, dolloping, or simply enjoying.
Call it cilantro pesto, or cilantro chutney – essentially, a scrumptious, spoonable dressing vibrant with garlic, lime, cilantro, and jalapeño, and unexpectedly, pistachios.
I have been enjoying it spread generously over those Trader Joe’s scallion pancake egg wraps (SO delicious):
And I’ve also been liberally dolloping it atop hearty bowls of yellow rice and chicken:
And guess what? Today I added a scoop over my chicken noodle soup. Rules? There aren’t any! Just let your creativity flow.
This is quite similar to the classic magic green sauce from ages ago, but decidedly thicker, chunkier, and easy to spread. I think you’ll be a fan.
Welcome To My House! Let’s Make This.
Blend everything together!
It’s a simple one-step process, which maximizes my joy. The blend may become a bit thick, so feel free to pause the blending to scrape down the sides, or simply add a touch more water for smoother blending.
Savor it with anything.
For instance, a dish including saucy chicken, yellow rice, pickled onions, microgreens, topped with a nice healthy scoop of that cilantro pesto.
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Units
Scale
Cilantro Pesto
Total Time:
10 minutesYield:
4–6 servings 1x
Description
This cilantro pesto features a wonderfully chunky mix of cilantro, lime, garlic, jalapeño, and pistachios, creating a spread that’s perfect for dolloping on bowls, slathering on wraps, or however you desire!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a small food processor, chopper, or blender until it reaches your desired consistency! I like to leave it a little bit textured / chunky.
- Enjoy! I like this on top of bowls, soups, pizza, eggs, sandwiches, and wraps… it’s good on just about everything. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Notes
You may need to use a spatula to scrape it down as you go since it’s a bit of a thicker texture. You can also add a splash of water to help keep it moving in the blender.
All cilantro bunches are going to be different sizes so if you get a small one, I would use two cilantro bunches. You want 1.5 – 2 cups so that there’s enough to give it some body.
A small blender or food processor (like this one) works best for this sauce! If you’re using a larger blender, you will want to double the amounts in order to give it enough volume to actually be able to blend properly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cilantro pesto, cilantro sauce, pesto
Three More Of My Favorite Sauces
# Homemade Cilantro Pesto Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Twist
Pesto is a beloved sauce known for its vibrant flavor and versatility. While traditional pesto is made with basil, a delicious variation can be created using cilantro. Cilantro pesto offers a fresh, slightly citrusy taste that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a new pasta sauce, a flavorful spread, or a marinade, this homemade cilantro pesto recipe is a must-try!
## Why Choose Cilantro Pesto?
Cilantro pesto is a fantastic alternative to traditional basil pesto for several reasons:
– **Unique Flavor** – Cilantro adds a bright, slightly tangy taste that enhances many dishes.
– **Nutritional Benefits** – Cilantro is rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and K, and has detoxifying properties.
– **Versatility** – This pesto can be used as a dip, spread, marinade, or pasta sauce.
– **Budget-Friendly** – Cilantro is often more affordable and available year-round compared to basil.
## Ingredients
To make a delicious homemade cilantro pesto, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
– ½ cup nuts (pine nuts, almonds, cashews, or walnuts)
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
– ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice
– ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon water (if needed for consistency)
## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and dry the cilantro thoroughly. Remove any thick stems, as they can make the pesto slightly bitter. Mince the garlic and measure out the other ingredients.
### Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pulse a few times until the mixture is roughly chopped.
### Step 3: Add the Liquid Ingredients
While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lime or lemon juice. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the pesto is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to adjust the consistency.
### Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, lime juice, or olive oil to balance the flavors.
### Step 5: Store and Serve
Transfer the cilantro pesto to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it in small portions for longer storage.
## Ways to Use Cilantro Pesto
This homemade cilantro pesto is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
– **Pasta Sauce** – Toss it with cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful meal.
– **Sandwich Spread** – Use it as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.
– **Dip** – Serve it with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables.
– **Marinade** – Use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, shrimp, or tofu.
– **Salad Dressing** – Mix it with a little extra olive oil and vinegar for a zesty salad dressing.
– **Pizza Topping** – Drizzle it over homemade pizza for a fresh twist.
## Tips for the Best Cilantro Pesto
– **Use Fresh Cilantro** – Fresh cilantro leaves will give the best flavor. Avoid wilted or yellowing leaves.
– **Experiment with Nuts** – Pine nuts are traditional, but cashews, almonds, or walnuts add unique flavors.
– **Adjust the Garlic** – If you prefer a milder taste, use roasted garlic instead of raw.
– **Make It Vegan** – Swap Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or omit it altogether.
– **Freeze for Later** – Pour the pesto into an ice cube tray and freeze for easy portioning.
## Final Thoughts
Homemade cilantro pesto is a delicious and easy-to-make sauce that adds a burst of flavor to any dish. With its fresh taste and versatility, it’s a great alternative to traditional basil pesto. Try this recipe today and enjoy a new twist on a classic favorite!
Would you like more variations or serving suggestions? Let us know in the comments! Happy cooking! 🍃✨