Cilantro Pesto
This simple recipe for Cilantro Pesto uses cashew nuts and is packed with flavor! It uses 5 very simple ingredients that are easy to source. You can throw this together in only 10 minutes – perfect for when you need a quick sauce for your lunch or dinner.
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Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Bright, Fresh Flavor: The cilantro and garlic create a refreshing, herbaceous base that livens up any dish.
Creamy Texture: Cashews and avocado oil blend into a smooth, rich sauce that feels indulgent yet light.
Nutty and Savory: Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth and a hint of umami that perfectly complements the freshness of the herbs.
Versatility: This pesto is great on pasta, as a spread, or drizzled over grilled meats and vegetables, making it a multipurpose addition to your kitchen.
Easy and Quick: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s a fast way to boost the flavor of your meals.
Ingredients to Make Cilantro Pesto:
- fresh cilantro. Offers a bright, herbaceous flavor with citrusy undertones. It’s a refreshing alternative to basil in pesto, providing a unique twist.
- garlic cloves. Delivers a robust, pungent kick that enhances the overall flavor profile of the pesto while adding aromatic depth.
- raw cashews. Contribute a creamy, rich texture and a subtle nutty taste that balances the herbaceous cilantro, making the pesto smooth and satisfying.
- parmesan cheese. Adds a savory, umami-rich element with a hint of saltiness that deepens the flavor complexity of the pesto.
- avocado oil. Serves as a healthy, mild-flavored base that emulsifies the ingredients into a cohesive, velvety sauce.
How to Make Cilantro Pesto:
- Add the cilantro, garlic, cashew nuts, lemon juice and shredded parmesan cheese to a food processor. Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the avocado oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended. You can adjust the amount of oil to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper.
- Use immediately as a sauce or condiment over pasta, grilled meats, or vegetables, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Balance Flavors: Adjust garlic and salt gradually—cilantro can be potent, so tasting as you blend helps achieve the perfect balance.
- Texture Control: Pulse the ingredients in your food processor until you reach your desired consistency; a chunkier pesto can add texture, while a smoother blend works well as a sauce.
- Cashew Variations: Lightly toasting cashews can bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor. Just be sure to let them cool before blending.
- Oil Substitutions: While avocado oil gives a mild flavor and healthy fats, you can experiment with other oils like extra-virgin olive oil for a different taste profile.
- Green Preservation: A splash of lemon or lime juice not only adds tang but also helps preserve the vibrant green color of the cilantro.
Serving Suggestions:
- Greek Chicken Gyros
- Lamb Burgers
- Greek Meatballs
- Chicken Tabbouleh
- Pesto Chicken Meatballs
- Carne Asada (Mexican Steak)
How to Store:
Refrigeration: Store the cilantro pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To help preserve its vibrant color, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface before sealing.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pesto in small portions using an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container and use within 3 months.
Thawing: When ready to use, thaw the pesto in the refrigerator overnight or gently warm it up if using in cooked dishes.
FAQs:
Yes, you can swap cashews with almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts. Each nut brings a slightly different flavor and texture to the pesto.
The recipe can be adapted for various diets. For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative. Adjust nut choices if you have allergies, and ensure the oil you use meets your dietary needs.
Absolutely. While cilantro offers a distinct, bright flavor, you can experiment with basil, parsley, or even a mix of greens for a unique twist.
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Cilantro Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 bunches fresh cilantro
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 cup raw cashews
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup avocado oil
Instructions
- Add the cilantro, garlic, cashew nuts, lemon juice and shredded parmesan cheese to a food processor. Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the avocado oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended. You can adjust the amount of oil to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper.
- Use immediately as a sauce or condiment over pasta, grilled meats, or vegetables, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Notes
-
- Balance Flavors: Adjust garlic and salt gradually, cilantro can be potent, so tasting as you blend helps achieve the perfect balance.
- Texture Control: Pulse the ingredients in your food processor until you reach your desired consistency; a chunkier pesto can add texture, while a smoother blend works well as a sauce.
- Cashew Variations: Lightly toasting cashews can bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor. Just be sure to let them cool before blending.
- Oil Substitutions: While avocado oil gives a mild flavor and healthy fats, you can experiment with other oils like extra-virgin olive oil for a different taste profile.
- Green Preservation: A splash of lemon or lime juice not only adds tang but also helps preserve the vibrant green color of the cilantro.
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