Cilantro Pesto Recipe
Introduction
Cilantro pesto is a vibrant twist on traditional pesto, bursting with fresh, zesty flavors. Made with cilantro, lime, and pistachios, it’s a versatile sauce that brightens up a variety of dishes. Perfect for adding a fresh kick to your meals.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch cilantro (1.5 – 2 cups, roughly the top portion of the bunch)
- 1/2 jalapeño, ribs and seeds removed
- 1 clove garlic
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 cup roasted salted pistachios
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice and zest, oil, pistachios, and salt in a small food processor, chopper, or blender.
- Step 2: Blend until you reach your desired consistency. For a bit of texture, pulse to keep it slightly chunky rather than fully smooth.
- Step 3: Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño depending on how spicy you like it. For a milder pesto, remove all seeds or omit the jalapeño entirely.
- Swap pistachios with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner pesto, add a little more oil or a splash of water while blending.
Storage
Store the cilantro pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To keep it fresh and vibrant, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to minimize air exposure. Reheat is not necessary—just stir and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
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 fridge before use. Note that the texture might change slightly after freezing.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is essential for vibrant flavor and brightness in this pesto. Dried cilantro lacks the intensity and won’t provide the same result.
PrintCilantro Pesto Recipe
This fresh and vibrant Cilantro Pesto is a zesty twist on the classic, featuring roasted salted pistachios and a hint of jalapeño for a mild kick. Perfect for adding bright flavor to bowls, soups, pizza, eggs, sandwiches, and wraps. This versatile sauce combines the freshness of cilantro with the creaminess of nuts and citrusy lime, blended to a slightly chunky texture for maximum appeal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup pesto 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 bunch cilantro (1.5 – 2 cups, tops only)
- 1/2 jalapeño, ribs and seeds removed
- 1 clove garlic
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 cup roasted salted pistachios
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Remove the ribs and seeds from half a jalapeño to reduce heat, and zest and juice one lime. Cut the top off the cilantro bunch and measure about 1.5 to 2 cups of leaves.
- Blend Pesto: In a small food processor, chopper, or blender, add the cilantro, jalapeño, garlic clove, lime juice and zest, roasted salted pistachios, and olive or avocado oil. Blend until you reach your desired consistency, leaving it slightly textured and chunky for the best flavor and mouthfeel.
- Season to Taste: Add salt gradually and pulse to combine, adjusting seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the cilantro pesto immediately on your favorite dishes such as bowls, soups, pizza, eggs, sandwiches, and wraps. Store any leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- The pesto can be customized by swapping pistachios with other nuts like almonds or pine nuts if preferred.
- For a spicier pesto, include the jalapeño seeds or increase the amount of jalapeño used.
- If you want a smoother pesto, blend longer or add a bit more oil.
- Use fresh lime zest and juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lime juice may alter taste.
- To extend shelf life, you can freeze small portions in an ice cube tray for up to 2 months.
Keywords: cilantro pesto, pistachio pesto, jalapeño pesto, cilantro sauce, Mexican pesto, fresh pesto, green sauce, nuts pesto
