Best 2 Cilantro Pepita Pesto Recipes

Cilantro pepita pesto is a vibrant and flavorful sauce that combines the zesty freshness of cilantro with the nutty richness of pepitas. Its vibrant color and distinct taste make it a fantastic addition to a variety of dishes. It can be used as a dip for vegetables or crackers, a marinade for chicken or fish, or a simple sauce for pasta or rice. Whether you are a pesto lover or looking to try something new, cilantro pepita pesto is sure to please.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CILANTRO-PEPITA PESTO

Cilantro-Pepita Pesto image

This flavorful recipe is one of the ways I came up with to use all the cilantro in my garden. Serve it with pasta, tortilla chips for dipping or in any dish that needs perking up. -Ami Okasinski, Memphis, Tennessee

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 20m

Yield 1-1/2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
1/3 cup grated Romano cheese
1/3 cup salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas, toasted
3 to 4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

Place the first five ingredients in a food processor; cover and pulse just until chopped. Add the lime and lemon juices and salt; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 82 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 130mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

PEPITA, CILANTRO AND GOUDA PESTO

Pepita, Cilantro and Gouda Pesto image

Pesto steps into Mexican territory with pepitas, cilantro and aged Gouda.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 10m

Yield about 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1/3 cup lightly toasted pepitas
3 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Kosher salt
1/2 cup coarsely grated aged Gouda cheese
1/2 cup grapeseed oil

Steps:

Put the pepitas in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the cilantro, garlic, orange zest and 1/4 teaspoon salt and pulse until finely chopped. Add the Gouda and pulse to combine. With the motor running, slowly pour in the grapeseed oil and process until combined. Transfer to a bowl.

Tips:

For the best flavor, use fresh cilantro and pepitas. If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro, but use half the amount.
If you don't have pepitas, you can use other nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds, almonds, or walnuts.
Add a little bit of lime juice or vinegar to taste. This will help to brighten the flavors of the pesto.
If you're using a food processor, pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped, but not pureed. You want the pesto to have a little bit of texture.
If you're making the pesto by hand, chop the ingredients finely with a knife.
Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Cilantro pepita pesto is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's perfect for pasta, chicken, fish, and vegetables. It can also be used as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. With its bright, fresh flavor, cilantro pepita pesto is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.