Description
Cilantro pesto is a fresh, zesty, and dairy-free twist on the classic basil pesto. Made with cilantro, pepitas, garlic, and lime juice, this vibrant green sauce is quick to prepare and packed with bold flavor. Perfect for tacos, pasta, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or as a dip, it’s a versatile condiment that elevates any dish in minutes.
Ingredients
1 cup packed cilantro leaves
1/3 cup olive oil or avocado oil
1/3 cup pepitas
1 clove garlic
Juice of 1 large lime
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 diced jalapeño for extra heat
Instructions
- Add cilantro, oil, pepitas, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if desired.
- Use immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Add Parmesan or cotija cheese for extra richness (non-vegan option).
- Substitute pepitas with sunflower seeds, almonds, or cashews.
- For extra spice, blend in jalapeño or red pepper flakes.
- To keep pesto green, drizzle a thin layer of oil on top before storing.
- Freezes well in ice cube trays for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
