Description
This vibrant Cilantro Pesto is a flavorful twist on traditional pesto, packed with fresh cilantro and a hint of heat from serrano chile. Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, pasta, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups packed cilantro including stems
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped and seeded serrano chile
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the cilantro, blanched almonds, chopped red onion, serrano chile, and kosher salt.
- Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while processing until well blended.
Notes
- Control the heat: Reduce the serrano chile for a milder pesto or add more for extra spice.
- Nut substitutions: Replace the almonds with walnuts or pistachios if desired.
- Add citrus: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor.
- Vegan option: This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. If adding cheese, use nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative for a plant-based version.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. A thin layer of olive oil on top can help reduce browning.
- Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen portions to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauces, Condiments
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: Fusion, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 4.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 1.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Cilantro Pesto, pesto recipe, cilantro sauce, easy pesto, herby sauce