Foolproof Cilantro Lime Pesto
Brighten up your meals with this zesty and vibrant Foolproof Cilantro Lime Pesto! Bursting with fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese, this quick 10-minute recipe offers a refreshing twist on classic pesto. Perfectly balanced with the creaminess of pine nuts—or your favorite nut substitutes—and the gentle warmth of garlic, this sauce comes together effortlessly in a food processor. Drizzle it over pasta, slather it onto sandwiches, or use it as a dip or topping for grilled meats and veggies. With its bold flavors and versatile use, this cilantro lime pesto is your go-to solution for an easy, flavor-packed addition to any dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
- 1 cup Pine nuts (or substitute with cashews or almonds)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Rinse and dry the cilantro thoroughly. Trim any large stems, leaving mostly just the leaves and their small stems.
2. In a food processor, add the cilantro leaves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan, garlic cloves, and lime juice.
3. Pulse the mixture a few times until the ingredients are roughly combined and chopped.
4. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and continue processing until the mixture forms a smooth, creamy pesto. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
5. Season the pesto with salt and black pepper. Pulse a few more times to mix the seasoning well.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice, salt, or black pepper if desired.
7. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. For storage, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent browning.
8. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to one week. Serve as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for grilled meats or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2257 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 233.2 g | 299% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.0 g | 195% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 2551 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.0 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.6 g | ||
| Protein | 52.5 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 925 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 991 mg | 21% | |
*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.
