Cilantro Pesto
Bright, zesty, and packed with fresh flavors, this Cilantro Pesto recipe is a bold twist on the classic Italian favorite. Featuring vibrant cilantro as the star ingredient, complemented by nutty Parmesan cheese, rich pine nuts, and a hint of garlic, this pesto brings a refreshing flair to your kitchen creations. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a splash of tangy lemon juice tie the flavors together beautifully, while freshly ground black pepper and a touch of salt provide the perfect finish. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this quick and easy condiment is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Spread it on sandwiches, toss it with pasta, or use it to elevate grilled meats and veggies. Whether you’re seeking a gluten-free sauce or a unique topping, this Cilantro Pesto will add a burst of vibrant flavor to any dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh cilantro
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
Begin by washing and drying the cilantro thoroughly. Ensure that there are no excess water droplets, as this can affect the texture of the pesto.
In a food processor, combine cilantro, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and minced garlic.
Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped.
Slowly add the extra-virgin olive oil while the food processor is running, until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker pesto, use less oil; for a more sauce-like consistency, use more.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse a few more times to combine all the ingredients.
Taste the pesto and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to suit your preference.
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Use as a pasta sauce, a spread on sandwiches, or a topping for grilled meats and vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
242 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.6 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 7 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 277 mg | 12% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.5 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | ||
| Protein | 3.7 g | 7% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 82 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 75 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
