Irresistible Cilantro Pesto: A Flavorful Delight

Cilantro pesto is not your average green sauce; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavor that can elevate any dish from boring to brilliant in minutes. Imagine the fresh aroma of cilantro wafting through your kitchen, mingling with rich nuts and zesty lemon, making your taste buds dance like they just heard their favorite song. explore Haitian Epis seasoning

This delightful concoction isn’t just for pasta; it’s a culinary chameleon that works wonders on grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even as a dip for crunchy snacks. I remember the first time I whipped up this cilantro pesto at a family barbecue. add creamy Caesar salad pasta Faces lit up with delight as they tasted it, and suddenly, I was the culinary rock star of the day!

I once served this cilantro pesto at a dinner party, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about how it elevated their meal experience. For more inspiration, check out this chicken avocado melt sandwich recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cilantro: Choose bright green leaves without wilting for the best flavor; it’s the star of the show.

• Pine Nuts: Lightly toast them for added depth and richness; they’re essential for that nutty goodness.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives a pungent kick; adjust based on how much you love garlic.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds creaminess and umami; opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances brightness and balances the flavors perfectly.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich texture and fruity notes.

• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; they’re essential to bring all those flavors together 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 on the counter so you have everything within arm’s reach. This ensures a smooth cooking process without frantic searches mid-recipe.

Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they’re golden brown and fragrant—about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them; burnt nuts are no fun!

Blend It All Together: In a food processor, combine fresh cilantro leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. serve with garlic parmesan potatoes Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.

Drizzle in Olive Oil: With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture reaches your desired consistency—smooth yet textured is best!

Taste Test Time!: Scrape down the sides of the bowl using a spatula and give your cilantro pesto a taste. Add salt and pepper to enhance those vibrant flavors before blending again.

Serve with Flair!: Transfer your beautifully green cilantro pesto into a serving bowl. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired and serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Enjoy this vibrant cilantro pesto as you drizzle it generously over grilled chicken or mix it into warm pasta. try zucchini cheddar chicken casserole The possibilities are endless!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by blending your cilantro, nuts, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Then, incorporate parmesan for creamy texture and flavor. This sequence ensures the flavors meld perfectly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out nuts; walnuts or pistachios work great. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or chili flakes if you crave heat. Personalizing your cilantro pesto makes it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store your cilantro pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. To keep it fresh longer, drizzle a little olive oil on top before sealing. Reheat gently if needed.

Creating cilantro pesto brings back memories of family gatherings and laughter over dinner tables filled with good food. I’ll never forget when my cousin declared my pesto “the best thing since sliced bread,” leaving us all giggling.

FAQ

What are the best nuts for cilantro pesto?

Pine nuts are traditional, but walnuts and almonds offer delightful alternatives.

Can I freeze cilantro pesto?

Yes, freezing is great! Store it in ice cube trays for easy portioning later.

How do I make it vegan?

Omit cheese and substitute nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy.

Print

Cilantro Pesto

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• Author: Doorecipes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Cilantro pesto is a vibrant, flavorful sauce that brightens up any dish in just minutes. With the fresh aroma of cilantro combined with rich pine nuts and zesty lemon, this versatile condiment is perfect for pastas, grilled meats, or as a dip for snacks. Whip it up in under 10 minutes and transform your meals into culinary masterpieces.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
2. In a food processor, combine cilantro, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the processor running on low, gradually drizzle in olive oil until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: International

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 30g
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: For a nut-free version, substitute pine nuts with sunflower seeds. Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or use walnuts for a different flavor profile.