This Cilantro Pesto recipe is bursting with fresh flavours, is easy to make and can be ready in less than 5 minutes! Coriander Pesto is super versatile and an exciting twist to traditional basil pesto.
Cilantro leaves are used in abundance in my kitchen, particularly in Indian cooking. Most savoury Indian dishes are garnished with it. I love it in this green chutney that is prepared with fresh cilantro, mint and green chili.
This Pumpkin Seed Cilantro Pesto (aka coriander pesto) is my newest obsession! I love it with Mexican food, such as these Air Fryer Tofu Veggie Fajitas, but its surprisingly good as an alternative to basil pesto with Italian dishes like pasta!
If you love all things pesto, you might like to try this Parsley Pesto or Kale Pesto too.
Cilantro Pesto Ingredients
Cilantro - use fresh cilantro for best results. Remove the really thick stems at the bottom but you can definitely use the thinner ones
Pumpkin seeds - I've gone with pumpkin seeds however you can use pine nuts or even walnuts to make walnut cilantro pesto
Garlic cloves
Lemon juice or lime juice - fresh is best but you can use bottled
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Optional extra:
Nutritional yeast, parmesan cheese or cotija cheese add creaminess - check the cheese is vegetarian before use
Add a fresh jalapeno to make Jalapeno cilantro pesto
Basil Cilantro Pesto
Use equal amounts of fresh basil and fresh cilantro to make a vibrant cilantro basil pesto
Cilantro Parsley Pesto
You can make this pesto by adding equal amounts of fresh flat leaf parsley and cilantro here.
How to make Cilantro Pesto
In a food processor bowl, add the cilantro leaves, garlic, pumpkin seeds, lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Blend until you achieve a smooth cilantro pesto sauce.
Pro Tips
Use fresh ingredients only - this pesto is only made with few ingredients so any that are not fresh will ruin the taste.
I find that cilantro pesto naturally blends quite smooth but you may want to keep yours a little chunky - in this case, do not over blend the herbs.
Use extra lemon or olive oil to thin it out when blending rather than water.
Serving Suggestion
Use instead of a tomato based pizza sauce
Drizzle it over roasted vegetables
Toss through your favourite cooked pasta
Use it as a salad dressing
Try it as a sandwich spread
Use it as a dip for fries or vegetables. I recently made these Air Fryer Carrot Fries which work wonderfully
Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container and consume by the next day. Coriander tends to darken with time.
You can also freeze this pesto easily. Simply spoon into ice cube trays and once frozen transfer into freezer safe bags. Allow to defrost at room temperature before use.
Other Cilantro/Coriander recipes
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
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Cilantro Pesto (Coriander Pesto)
Equipment
- 1 Food processor/Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro packed cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1 clove garlic
- â…› cup pumpkin seeds or other nuts
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or lime juice
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a food processor bowl, add the cilantro leaves, garlic, pumpkin seeds, lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Blend until you achieve a smooth cilantro pesto sauce.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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