Cilantro Pesto Recipe: Fresh and Flavorful Italian Sauce

Cilantro Pesto — a italian recipe (condiments and sauces) with 7 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

15

Total Time (min)

12

servings

127

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Cilantro Pesto Recipe: Fresh and Flavorful Italian Sauce

Ingredients

Servings:
12
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
  • 1 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 1 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all ingredients and measure them out accordingly.

    Using fresh cilantro enhances the flavor.
  2. Toast Pine Nuts

    In a skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.

    Stir frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Blend Ingredients

    In a food processor, combine cilantro, toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic.

    Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  4. Add Olive Oil

    With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth.

    Adjust the consistency with more oil if needed.
  5. Season and Finish

    Add lemon juice and salt, then blend again until well combined.

    Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Sugar-Conscious, Low Potassium, Kidney-Friendly, Keto-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian. Diet: Low-Carb, Low-Sodium

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your italian meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Garlic bread
🍽️Caesar salad
🍽️Roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Cilantro Pesto Recipe: Fresh and Flavorful Italian Sauce is a beloved dish from Italian cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 15 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on simple, quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Each region of Italy has its own distinct culinary traditions, passed down through generations.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 7 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives.

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Nutrition Facts

12 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories220kcal
Total Fat22gg
Sodium200mgmg
Total Carbohydrates5gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars0gg
Protein5gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineItalian