Cilantro Pesto Recipe

Meet the vibrant and refreshing Cilantro Pesto recipe that is just the perfect addition to your favorite pasta or bruschetta! This zesty alternative to the traditional basil pesto provides a unique twist of flavor – a blend of fresh cilantro, lemon, garlic, and pine nuts, that’s heaven in a jar for you. It’s undoubtedly the star of any festive or casual gatherings enhancing the overall experience.

If you’re a sucker for bold, herby flavors, then this Cilantro Pesto recipe is going to knock your socks off! Its versatile nature allows it to pair well with almost any dish, turning it into a tantalizing treat. Are you ready to join the cilantro pesto bandwagon?

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 cup

Without any further ado, let’s dip into the cilantro pesto pool!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 cups fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

You will need a food processor for your pesto preparation.

Our star, cilantro, imparts the key flavor. Pine nuts add richness whilst the lemon juice brings a tangy zest. Parmesan cheese integrates beautifully, adding a creamy texture and saltiness.

Remember to use high-quality olive oil for the best taste. In case you are not a fan of cilantro, you can replace it with your preferred herbs such as basil or mint.

How To Make Cilantro Pesto Recipe

1. Start by roughly chopping the cilantro. Don’t worry about the stems, they have plenty of flavor too.
2. Add the chopped cilantro, garlic cloves, and pine nuts to the food processor. Pulse until they are finely ground.
3. Add in the grated parmesan, salt, and lemon juice. While the food processor is running, drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth paste forms.
4. Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary. Your Cilantro pesto is ready to be served or stored!

Tips For The Best Results

• Always use fresh cilantro for the best flavor and aroma.
• Roast the pine nuts lightly for a nuttier flavor before adding them to the food processor.

Storage Tips

• Store in airtight jars or containers and refrigerate.
• It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze this pesto?

A: Absolutely, it freezes well. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.

Q: What can I serve with Cilantro Pesto?

A: It compliments pasta, sandwiches and grilled meats amazingly well.

Q: Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

A: Yes, a blender can also get the job done.

Q: Can I skip the cheese for a vegan version?

A: Yes, you can leave out the cheese to make it vegan-friendly.

Q: What can I use instead of pine nuts?

A: You can replace pine nuts with almonds or walnuts.

Nutritional Facts of Cilantro Pesto Recipe

Each serving of this Cilantro Pesto Recipe provides approximately:

• 210 calories
• 20g fat
• 3g carbohydrates
• 3g protein

To wrap it up, our Cilantro Pesto Recipe is a beautiful blend of vibrant green cilantro with a kick of garlic and a touch of lemon. The whole shebang gets rounded out with a rich pour of olive oil and parmesan cheese to create a lush, versatile pesto that shines in any dish. Can’t wait for you guys to give it a spin!