Fabulous Cilantro Pesto

Fabulous Cilantro Pesto
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    15 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    30 mins
  • SERVING
    8 People
  • VIEWS
    591

Elevate your pasta game with this vibrant Cilantro Pesto, a refreshing twist on the classic basil version. Its zesty flavor will awaken your taste buds, transforming any dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Ingridients

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Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    43 g
  • Cholesterol
    3 mg
  • Fiber
    3 g
  • Protein
    10 g
  • Saturated Fat
    3 g
  • Sodium
    55 mg
  • Sugar
    2 g
  • Fat
    21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

DIRECTIONS

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Image Step 01
01 Step

Recipe View Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. (Time: 8-10 minutes)

Image Step 02
02 Step

Recipe View While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the cilantro, toasted nuts, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, white wine vinegar, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until coarsely chopped. (Time: 5 minutes)

Image Step 03
03 Step

Recipe View With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of the olive oil until a thick paste forms. Add the remaining olive oil, a little at a time, until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. You may need slightly more or less depending on the freshness of your cilantro. (Time: 2 minutes)

Image Step 04
04 Step

Recipe View Transfer the pesto to a small saucepan. Gently warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just beginning to simmer, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to meld the flavors. (Time: 2-3 minutes)

Image Step 05
05 Step

Recipe View In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the warmed pesto. Toss well to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. (Time: 1 minute)

Image Step 06
06 Step

Recipe View Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of toasted nuts, if desired.

Toast the walnuts or pecans for a richer, nuttier flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
For a smoother pesto, blanch the cilantro briefly in boiling water for about 15 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath. This will help retain its vibrant green color and mellow its flavor.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder pesto, omit it altogether.
Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before freezing to prevent discoloration.

Conor Waters

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.6/ 5 ( 197 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (9)
  • Cyril Emmerich

    Toasting the nuts really brings out their flavor and adds a nice depth to the pesto.

  • Abel Weissnat

    This pesto is so versatile! I've used it on pasta, sandwiches, and even as a marinade for chicken.

  • Isom Carroll

    I've made this recipe several times, and it always turns out perfectly. It's a keeper!

  • Dianna Okuneva

    I found that adding a little bit of lemon zest really brightened up the flavor.

  • Ole Schowalter

    The cayenne pepper gives it a nice little kick! Adjust the amount to your liking.

  • Alan Beier

    Instead of pasta, I tried it as a spread on toasted baguette slices - delish!

  • Catalina Oberbrunner

    I added a tablespoon of water while blending to make it extra smooth.

  • Chet Bayer

    My family loved this! It's a great way to use up extra cilantro from the garden.

  • Dashawn Abbott

    I tried this with lime juice instead of vinegar, and it was amazing! So fresh and citrusy.

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