Imagine a vibrant green sauce bursting with flavor, fresh cilantro, and a hint of garlic that will elevate any dish to new heights. This cilantro pesto isn’t just a condiment; it’s an experience waiting to unfold on your taste buds. enhance your chicken dishes Whether you’re drizzling it over grilled chicken, tossing it with pasta, or slathering it on toasted bread, each bite promises a burst of freshness that makes you feel like you’re dining al fresco in a sun-soaked garden.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- Get Your Tools Ready
- Blend All Ingredients
- Add Olive Oil Gradually
- Taste Test Time
- Final Blend
- Serve It Up
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I use cilantro pesto for?
- Can I freeze cilantro pesto?
- How do I make it less bitter?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made cilantro pesto. My friends and I were throwing a backyard barbecue, and I suddenly remembered how my grandma always had a jar of her homemade sauce ready to jazz up any meal. When I whipped up my version, the aroma alone was enough to make everyone flock to the kitchen like moths to a flame. perfect breakfast pairing Trust me; this is the perfect addition for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners when you want something that impresses without the fuss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cilantro pesto is incredibly easy to whip up in just 10 minutes
- Its fresh and zesty flavor profile brightens up any dish, making it versatile for various cuisines
- The stunning green color adds visual appeal to your meals and encourages everyone to dig in
- You can customize ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry
I once brought this cilantro pesto to a potluck, and let’s just say it turned out to be the star of the show!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cilantro: Choose vibrant green leaves without any wilting for maximum flavor.
- Pine Nuts: Lightly toast them for enhanced nuttiness; they add depth to the pesto.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for better melting and richer flavor; avoid pre-grated options.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh cloves work wonders here; they bring that aromatic kick we all love.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richness; it makes all the difference.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice lifts the flavors; bottled juice won’t do justice here.
- Salt and Pepper: A simple seasoning that enhances every ingredient without overpowering them.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Get Your Tools Ready
Gather your food processor and measuring cups. This gadget will become your best friend today as you blend everything into a luscious pesto.
Blend All Ingredients
Add fresh cilantro, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into your food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
Add Olive Oil Gradually
While blending on low speed, slowly drizzle in olive oil until you achieve a smooth consistency. The aroma should be heavenly by now!
Taste Test Time
Stop blending and taste your creation! If it needs more zing or saltiness, adjust accordingly by adding more lemon juice or salt.
Final Blend
Give everything one last quick blend until combined. You want it smooth but still with some texture—no need for perfection.
Serve It Up
Transfer your aromatic cilantro pesto into a serving bowl. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for later use!
Now that you’ve mastered this fantastic cilantro pesto recipe, get ready for compliments at dinner parties and casual meals alike! With its zesty flavor and vibrant color, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen arsenal. add a unique twist with pesto Embrace your inner chef and have fun experimenting with different dishes—each taste will bring happiness!
You Must Know
- Cilantro pesto is not just for pasta; drizzle it on tacos or sandwiches for a flavor explosion
- The fresh aroma of cilantro and nuts creates a vibrant experience that will make your dishes sing
- Plus, it’s quick to whip up for any occasion!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by toasting the nuts for a richer flavor. Blend all ingredients until smooth, adjusting oil as needed.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts based on what you have or add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store cilantro pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week; no reheating necessary!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, use fresh cilantro and quality olive oil
- Adjust salt levels according to taste preferences
- If your pesto is too thick, add more olive oil gradually until you reach desired consistency
Cilantro pesto always brings back memories of summer picnics with friends, where laughter and delicious food created unforgettable moments that lingered long after the last bite. complement your sushi stacks.
FAQ
What can I use cilantro pesto for?
You can use cilantro pesto on pasta, sandwiches, tacos, or grilled meats. For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken marsala pasta recipe.
Can I freeze cilantro pesto?
Yes, freeze cilantro pesto in ice cube trays for easy future use.
How do I make it less bitter?
Adjusting the balance of olive oil or adding lime juice can reduce bitterness effectively.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Cilantro Pesto
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Cilantro pesto is a vibrant, fresh sauce that elevates any dish with its zesty flavor. This easy-to-make condiment combines the earthy taste of cilantro with the richness of nuts and cheese, creating a versatile addition for pasta, grilled meats, or sandwiches. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this delightful sauce that brings sunshine to your dining table and memories of summer picnics to your palate.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather your food processor and measuring tools.
- Add cilantro, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running on low speed, gradually drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
- Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Blend again briefly to combine everything evenly.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30g
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
