Imagine a vibrant green sauce, bursting with the fresh aroma of cilantro, zesty lemon, and a hint of garlic. That’s cilantro pesto! It brings a pop of flavor to your pasta, sandwiches, or even grilled chicken. add fresh flavor with cilantro The best part? You can whip it up in minutes, making you the culinary hero at any dinner table. pair cilantro pesto with char siu chicken.
I remember the first time I made cilantro pesto; my friends were amazed. They couldn’t believe something so delicious could come from just a handful of ingredients. From that moment on, I knew I had found my secret weapon for entertaining.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cilantro pesto is super easy to make, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish
- Its bright flavors elevate any dish beautifully
- Plus, you can customize it based on your taste preferences or what’s in your fridge
- It looks stunning drizzled over grilled meats or tossed in salads
I made this cilantro pesto for a picnic once, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cilantro: Select vibrant green leaves without any yellowing for the best flavor and freshness.
- Pine Nuts: Lightly toast them to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to your pesto.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese for the richest taste; pre-grated varieties lack that fresh zing.
- Garlic Cloves: Opt for firm cloves; they provide a fragrant base that elevates every bite.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the nuts and cheese.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its fruity aroma and robust flavor that ties everything together.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste; these staples enhance all the other flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and measure them out. This ensures you have everything ready when you start blending.
Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pine nuts until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Blend the Base: Add cilantro leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and Parmesan cheese into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped; this will be your flavorful base.
Add Lemon Juice & Oil: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add lemon juice for zestiness.
Season It Up!: Taste your pesto and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the flavors according to your preference; you want it bright and fresh!
Store or Serve!: Transfer your cilantro pesto into an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to one week; use it on pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip!
Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful cilantro pesto! Share it with family and watch their faces light up with each bite! For more inspiration, check out this grilled salmon with chimichurri recipe.
You Must Know
- Cilantro pesto is a vibrant twist on traditional pesto, adding a fresh and zesty flavor
- It pairs beautifully with pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip
- This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for weeknight meals or impressive dinner parties
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by blending the cilantro, nuts, garlic, and cheese first before slowly drizzling in olive oil. This ensures a creamy texture and prevents clumping.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cilantro for basil or add some lime juice for extra zing. You can also experiment with various nuts like walnuts or pistachios for unique flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cilantro pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm over low heat while stirring to maintain its creamy consistency.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your cilantro pesto, use high-quality olive oil for rich flavor
- Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their nuttiness and depth
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed; a pinch of salt can work wonders
Sometimes I whip up this cilantro pesto when friends pop over unexpectedly—it’s always a hit! They rave about how fresh and flavorful it is, making me feel like a culinary genius. herb-based sauces like tzatziki.
FAQ
Can I use other herbs instead of cilantro?
Absolutely! Basil or parsley can create delicious variations of this pesto recipe.
How long does cilantro pesto last in the fridge?
Cilantro pesto stays fresh in an airtight container for up to one week.
What dishes pair well with cilantro pesto?
explore Haitian epis for extra zest.
Cilantro pesto complements pasta, grilled chicken, sandwiches, and even roasted vegetables beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this chicken burrito bowls recipe.
Cilantro Pesto
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Cilantro pesto is a vibrant and zesty twist on traditional pesto, perfect for elevating your meals in just minutes. With its fresh cilantro, toasted pine nuts, and a hint of garlic, this sauce adds a burst of flavor to pasta, sandwiches, grilled chicken, or even as a dip. Whip it up quickly for an impressive dish that will have your friends raving about your culinary skills!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Stir frequently.
- In a food processor, combine cilantro leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to an airtight container; refrigerate for up to one week or serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
