Easy Cilantro Pesto Recipe – Fresh, Zesty & Ready in Minutes
Cilantro Pesto with a Twist
Ingredients
Method
- Place the cilantro, toasted nuts, garlic, and lime juice into a compact blender or food processor. (For larger blenders, consider doubling the recipe amounts for better consistency.)
- Pulse until the mixture is roughly combined. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides occasionally, as the texture is naturally a bit thick.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending. If you notice the mixture is resisting the blades, add a splash of water to help it along.
- Season with salt and pepper, taste, and adjust as needed. Enjoy your refreshing twist on pesto as a dip, sauce, or dressing!
Cilantro Pesto with a Twist
This refreshed version of cilantro pesto marries the bright, herbaceous flavor of fresh cilantro with the richness of toasted nuts and a dash of lime. Its versatile nature makes it a perfect topping, dip, or sauce for any dish.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 cups fresh cilantro (if using a smaller bunch, double up to maintain flavor and body)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Place cilantro, toasted nuts, garlic, and lime juice into a small blender or food processor. (For larger blenders, doubling the ingredients helps achieve a smoother blend.)
- Pulse the mixture until it’s roughly combined. Stop intermittently to scrape down the sides with a spatula since the pesto tends to thicken as you blend.
- While the machine is running, slowly drizzle in olive oil. If the mixture is too thick and the blades begin to stall, add a splash of water to coax it along.
- Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Keep in mind that different cilantro bunches vary in size; if your bunch is smaller than expected, using two ensures you have about 1.5–2 cups for a full-bodied sauce.
A small food processor or blender works best for this recipe. If you’re using a larger appliance, consider doubling the ingredients to provide enough volume for proper blending.
Special Tip
For an extra layer of complexity, add a pinch of toasted red pepper flakes to the mix. This subtle heat beautifully complements the zesty lime and fresh cilantro flavors.
Cilantro Pesto Recipe – Pinch of Yum
