Cilantro Pesto

About

Brenda Gantt

I am a self-taught cook. I started cooking around 18 years old. I stood in the kitchen and watched my mother, who was my biggest inspiration at the time, cook.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup cilantro
  • 1/3 cup cashews
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. In a food processor, combine the cilantro, cashews, and chopped garlic.
  2. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil or avocado oil to create a smooth and creamy texture. Continue processing until all the ingredients are well combined.
  3. Transfer the cilantro cashew pesto to a bowl.
  4. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  5. Your cilantro cashew pesto is now ready to use! Enjoy it as a sauce, spread, or condiment in various dishes.

 

Allergies:

  • SF (Shellfish-Free)
  • GF (Gluten-Free)
  • DF (Dairy-Free)
  • EF (Egg-Free)
  • V (Vegan)

 

Variations of Cilantro Cashew Pesto:

  1. Spicy Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili pepper to the food processor while blending for a spicy kick.
  2. Lemon Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the pesto for a bright and tangy flavor.
  3. Cilantro Walnut Pesto: Substitute cashews with walnuts for a different nutty flavor and texture.
  4. Mexican-Inspired Pesto: Add a teaspoon of ground cumin and a tablespoon of lime juice to the pesto for a Mexican twist.
  5. Creamy Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Mix in a tablespoon of tahini or Greek yogurt to make the pesto creamier.
  6. Sesame Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Toast some sesame seeds and blend them with the other ingredients for a nutty and aromatic pesto.
  7. Pistachio Cilantro Pesto: Replace cashews with pistachios for a unique and colorful pesto variation.
  8. Avocado Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Add half of a ripe avocado to the mixture for a creamy and rich pesto.
  9. Minty Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Mix in some fresh mint leaves along with the cilantro for a refreshing twist.
  10. Sun-Dried Tomato Cilantro Pesto: Add a few pieces of sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto for an intense burst of flavor.
  11. Asian-Inspired Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce, a teaspoon of sesame oil, and a dash of rice vinegar for an Asian-inspired twist.
  12. Honey Lime Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Drizzle a tablespoon of honey and the juice of one lime into the pesto for a sweet and tangy flavor.
  13. Garlic Lover’s Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Increase the amount of garlic cloves to 4 or 5 for a more intense garlic flavor.
  14. Cilantro Pecan Pesto: Swap cashews with pecans to add a buttery and slightly sweet flavor to the pesto.
  15. Cilantro Pine Nut Pesto: Use pine nuts instead of cashews for a classic and traditional pesto flavor.
  16. Smoky Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky and earthy flavor profile.
  17. Greek Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Mix in some crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of lemon juice to give the pesto a Greek twist.
  18. Cilantro Ginger Cashew Pesto: Grate a small piece of fresh ginger into the pesto for a zesty and aromatic flavor.
  19. Creamy Avocado-Cashew Cilantro Pesto: Combine ripe avocado, cashews, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice for an incredibly creamy and vibrant pesto.
  20. Thai Cilantro Cashew Pesto: Add a tablespoon of Thai red curry paste, a teaspoon of fish sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice to create a Thai-inspired pesto.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a culinary revelation that transforms these miniature cabbages into a delicious and irresistible dish. This recipe elevates Brussels sprouts by roasting them to perfection, resulting in

Read More »

Crispy Squash Fries

Crispy Squash Fries are a delectable and healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, offering a delightful twist by using tender squash slices. This recipe transforms ordinary squash into a crunchy

Read More »