Best 20 Cilantro Pesto Recipes

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Cil Cilantro pesto is a flavorful and versatile condiment that can elevate ordinary dishes to extraordinary. Made with a blend of fresh cilantro, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, nuts, and seasonings, it offers a burst of zesty and herbaceous flavor. This vibrant green sauce is commonly used as a pasta sauce, a marinade for grilled meats, a topping for pizzas and sandwiches, or simply as a dipping sauce for vegetables and crackers. With a few simple ingredients and a food processor or blender, you can whip up a delicious batch of cilantro pesto in no time. This article will provide you with several delectable recipes for cilantro pesto, ensuring you have a perfect match for your culinary creation.

Let's cook with our recipes!

FABULOUS CILANTRO PESTO



Fabulous Cilantro Pesto image

This is a delicious version of the classic with a little more zip! You can substitute the vinegar with lime juice, lemon juice or Italian salad dressing.

Provided by Gena Urias

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package farfalle pasta
1 bunch fresh cilantro
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup walnuts or pecans
salt to taste
½ cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and return water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain well.
  • In an electric food processor or blender, blend cilantro, garlic, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, nuts, and salt. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil, and blend the pesto. Add more olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
  • Pour pesto in a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until pesto begins to simmer. Pour over cooked pasta and toss.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 386.1 calories, Carbohydrate 42.8 g, Cholesterol 2.8 mg, Fat 20.5 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 54.8 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

CILANTRO PESTO



Cilantro Pesto image

"Feel free to make this simple pesto ahead of time and freeze it." This brightly colored pesto tastes as fresh as it looks! Karen Deaver, Babylon Village, NY

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 10m

Yield 1 cup.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 cup olive oil
Cooked jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

Steps:

  • Place cilantro and cheese in a food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. Add walnuts and lime juice; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Serve with shrimp.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 152 calories, Fat 16g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 40mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

CILANTRO PESTO



Cilantro Pesto image

Provided by Food Network

Yield 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 8

6 cloves garlic, peeled
1 bunch fresh parsley, stemmed
1 bunch fresh cilantro, stemmed
2 tablespoons almonds, toasted
4 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Hand chop the garlic, parsley, cilantro, and almonds. Combine the pesto mixture with the oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Serve as a dipping sauce with the tortitas de papas cruda y elote.

CILANTRO JALAPENO PESTO WITH LIME



Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto with Lime image

This is a spicy alternative to classic basil pesto. You can control the spiciness by using less jalapeno and by removing the seeds and white membrane of the pepper before adding it to the pesto. If you like the spice, just throw it all in!

Provided by Kelly Van Hooser Turner

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Vegetarian

Time 10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 ½ tablespoons toasted pine nuts
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
½ fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Combine the cilantro, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, jalapeno pepper, and Parmesan cheese in a blender; pulse until the mixture reaches a soft, paste-like consistency.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 128.5 calories, Carbohydrate 1.9 g, Cholesterol 3.7 mg, Fat 12.4 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 2.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 68.6 mg, Sugar 0.3 g

CREAMY CILANTRO PESTO SAUCE



Creamy Cilantro Pesto Sauce image

A delicious creamy topping for chicken or fish. Can be served cold or hot. I personally prefer it cold on top of hot broiled lemon pepper mahi mahi with brown rice and steamed spinach. Garnish dish with cilantro leaves after topping with sauce.

Provided by KB

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 bunch cilantro leaves
½ cup reduced-fat cream cheese
5 artichoke hearts
2 green onions, or more to taste
5 leaves fresh basil, or more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno pepper
½ lemon, juiced
1 dash salt

Steps:

  • Blend cilantro leaves, cream cheese, artichoke hearts, green onions, basil, jalapeno pepper, lemon juice, and salt in a blender until smooth.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 44.8 calories, Carbohydrate 2.7 g, Cholesterol 8.9 mg, Fat 2.9 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 152.6 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

CILANTRO-PARSLEY PESTO



Cilantro-Parsley Pesto image

Try this pesto as a dipping sauce for cold Boiled Lobster Tails, or toss it with fresh cooked pasta.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Gluten-Free Recipes

Yield Makes about 3/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro sprigs
2 cups loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 large garlic clove, minced
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Pulse herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped. With machine running, add oil in a slow, steady stream.

CILANTRO PESTO PASTA



Cilantro Pesto Pasta image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 13m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 clove garlic, cracked away from the skin
2 inches fresh ginger root, chopped
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 ounces, about 1/2 cup, macadamia nuts
1 lime, juiced
1 cup cilantro leaves
1/2 cup evoo -- extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
1 teaspoon coarse salt, eyeball it in palm of your hand
1 pound spaghetti, cooked to al dente, 1/2 cup pasta water reserved

Steps:

  • Place first 8 ingredients in food processor or blender and blend until smooth, then add the pasta water. Toss with hot pasta, adjust seasonings, then serve immediately.

GRILLED MAHI MAHI WITH ROASTED PEPPER SAUCE AND CILANTRO PESTO



Grilled Mahi Mahi with Roasted Pepper Sauce and Cilantro Pesto image

Use your grill to give the mahi mahi a lovely smokey aroma. The red pepper and cilantro pesto adds color and texture to this flavorful dish. Try serving with yellow rice or sugar snap peas for an amazing meal. You could easily adapt this recipe for other types of fish like snapper or swordfish.

Provided by CookinginFL

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Mahi Mahi

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ cup white wine
1 shallot, minced
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
⅓ cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (12 ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained
4 (6 ounce) mahi mahi fillets
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.
  • Place the wine and shallot in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and reduce the liquid down by about half, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Place the Parmesan cheese, garlic, and walnuts into a food processor; process until finely chopped. Add the olive oil, cilantro, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; process until smooth. Remove the cilantro pesto from the food processor and set aside.
  • Place the red peppers into the food processor, pour in the wine reduction, and process until smooth. Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the sauce for 4 minutes. Meanwhile, season both sides of the mahi mahi fillets with salt and pepper.
  • Cook the mahi mahi on the preheated grill until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork, about 4 minutes per side.
  • Whisk the butter, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt into the red pepper sauce until smooth. Spoon the red pepper sauce onto the bottom of the serving plate, arrange the fish on the sauce, and top with the cilantro pesto to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 341.1 calories, Carbohydrate 9.5 g, Cholesterol 134.2 mg, Fat 15.2 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 35.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 668.9 mg, Sugar 3.4 g

GRILLED SHRIMP AND CILANTRO PESTO PIZZA



Grilled Shrimp and Cilantro Pesto Pizza image

Provided by Bobby Flay

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
3/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees F)
1 3/4 to 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus additional for kneading and dredging
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon for greasing the bowl
Cilantro Pesto, recipe follows
8 ounces buffalo mozzarella, thinly sliced
Grilled Shrimp, recipe follows
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
3/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Whisk together the yeast and 1/4 cup of the water in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes to proof. Place 1 3/4 cups of the flour in a large bowl with the salt. Add the yeast mixture, the remaining water, and oil and stir until combined. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead until smooth. Grease a large bowl with the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil, add the dough, and turn to coat. Cover and place in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  • Preheat the grill to high. Once the dough has risen, divide it in half. Divide each half into 2 balls. Roll each ball into an 8-inch circle. Brush with oil and grill on both sides until golden brown. Spread a few tablespoons of the Cilantro Pesto over each pizza, top with a few slices of buffalo mozzarella, and then top with 4 shrimp and cilantro leaves. Place the pizza on the grill until the cheese melts. Serve hot.
  • Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.;
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high.
  • Brush each shrimp with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until just cooked through (shrimp will be opaque and turn pink).

STUFFED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH CILANTRO LIME PESTO



Stuffed Pork Tenderloin With Cilantro Lime Pesto image

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a signature spice in Mexican cooking. In this recipe it combines with lime to add zing to pork tenderloin, a sensational main dish for an elegant dinner.

Provided by Chef Luis Aguilar

Categories     Pork

Time 1h35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 lbs pork tenderloin
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 onion, cut into chunks
1/2 cup loosely packed chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon diced jalapeno
2 tablespoons corn oil
1/2 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
green chile picante sauce

Steps:

  • PREHEAT oven to 400°F.
  • CUT tenderloin lengthwise almost in half.
  • Open; lay flat between two pieces of waxed paper.
  • Pound with meat mallet or rolling pin to 1/2-inch thickness.
  • PLACE garlic, onion, cilantro, lime juice and jalapenos in food processor or blender container; cover.
  • Process until coarsely chopped.
  • Process, while slowly adding corn oil, for 10-15 seconds or until mixture is slightly smooth.
  • Spread half of cilantro mixture over tenderloin; top with cheese.
  • Roll up; secure with string.
  • Spread remaining cilantro mixture over top.
  • Place on rack in roasting pan.
  • BAKE for 55-60 minutes or until internal temperature of 170 F is reached.
  • Cool for 5 minutes.
  • Remove string; slice.
  • Serve with picante sauce.

CEDAR PLANK-GRILLED SALMON WITH CILANTRO PESTO



Cedar Plank-Grilled Salmon with Cilantro Pesto image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 (6 to 8-ounce) portions salmon preferably local wild King salmon -skin on or off
Olive oil, to taste
Salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Cilantro Pesto, recipe follows
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) lightly toasted
1/2 lime, juiced
Jalapeno, to taste
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • This recipe is for OUTSIDE gas or charcoal plank-grilling.
  • For the Cedar Planks: I use UNTREATED 1 by 8 construction grade cedar cut to the length of the amount of salmon you wish to cook. (I cut mine in 10-inch lengths for 2 (8- ounce fillets)
  • Soaking the planks: Pre-soak cedar planks for at least 1 hour, preferably longer or overnight. Weigh down planks with heavy cans or stones to completely submerge the wood in water.
  • Lightly coat the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place salmon on cedar plank skin-side down.
  • Turn on your gas grill to high heat. Place planks (loaded up with salmon) on the grill and close lid. Your grill will now turn into an oven/smoker. Cooking time required will vary depending on the size of the salmon. Be careful when you are lifting the grill lid because the burning plank will produce a lot of smoke. Try to keep the lid closed as much as possible as not to lower the temperature inside the grill. When salmon is cooked, remove fish from plank and plunge wood into a bucket of cold water. Serve the salmon immediately with the Cilantro Pesto.
  • Place first 4 ingredients in blender or small food processor and completely puree. Add lime juice, jalapeno, and salt and pepper, to taste.

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

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.

GURU'S CILANTRO LIME PESTO PASTA



Guru's Cilantro Lime Pesto Pasta image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (do not include stems)
2 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons sliced, toasted almonds
3 tablespoons chopped, fresh garlic
1 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 cup shredded asiago, plus 1/2 cup shredded
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chicken broth
8 cups linguini pasta, cooked al dente
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
4 cups pesto sauce
1 cup sun-dried tomato, sliced julienned

Steps:

  • Using a blender, mix together the cilantro, olive oil, almonds, garlic, lime juice, 1/2 cup asiago, salt and chicken broth on low speed for 2 minutes. Set aside. In large saucepan combine pasta, cooked chicken and sauce. Heat over medium heat for 2 minutes. Pour into serving bowls. Top with remaining asiago and sun-dried tomatoes.

CILANTRO PESTO GRILLED SHRIMP



Cilantro Pesto Grilled Shrimp image

Shrimp gets the Tex-Mex treatment. Taken from Sheila Lukins "USA Cookbook." These are very addicting, and the cilantro adds an unexpected dash of heat! Prep time includes marinating time.

Provided by yooper

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 51m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled,deveined,tails left on (about 36)
3 cups loosely packed cilantro leaves, rinsed and patted thoroughly dry
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 pinch ground cumin
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Place the shrimp in a bowl, and toss them with 6 tablespoons of the pesto.
  • Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat a grill to high heat, or preheat the broiler.
  • Thread the shrimp crosswise onto long metal skewers, about five to six to a skewer.
  • Grill or broil the skewers in batches, 3 inches from the coals or heating element, for 3 minutes per side.
  • Remove the shrimp from the skewers and place them in bowl.
  • Toss with the remaining 6 tablespoons pesto, and serve immediately.
  • For Pesto: Place the cilantro leaves in the bowl of a food processor and pulse the machine on and off until the leaves are coarsley chopped.
  • Add the pine nuts, garlic, cumin, and salt and pepper and pulse the machine on and off until the mixture is well chopped but not pureed.
  • With the machine rumming, slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube and process until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • Transfer to a glass jar with a lid and refrigerate covered, up to 3 days.
  • Makes about 3/4 cup.

PASTA WITH CILANTRO PESTO AND BARLEY



Pasta with Cilantro Pesto and Barley image

This pasta dish is completely virtuous and completely delicious. And it's easy! Use any short, substantial pasta you like if you can't find orechietti. You can also make this with other fresh herbs. Good with more Parmesan on top!

Provided by KRISTINLEE8

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ½ cups water
½ cup pearl barley
8 ounces uncooked orecchiette pasta
1 bunch cilantro
½ bunch green onions
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
½ cup vegetable broth
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup torn arugula leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, bring the 1 1/2 cups water to a boil. Stir in the barley. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orecchiette pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a food processor, finely chop the cilantro, green onions, and 1/2 the tomatoes. Mix in the broth and Parmesan cheese, and process until well blended.
  • In a large bowl, toss the barley, pasta, cilantro mixture, remaining tomatoes, and arugula. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 412.5 calories, Carbohydrate 81.6 g, Cholesterol 4.4 mg, Fat 3.6 g, Fiber 8.7 g, Protein 14.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 303.1 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

PASTA WITH CILANTRO-PEANUT PESTO



Pasta with Cilantro-Peanut Pesto image

Cilantro can be polarizing, but many cooks around the world rely on it for the fresh, citrusy element it adds to an array of dishes -- like this pasta dish with Southeast Asian flair.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 bunch cilantro, 1/4 cup leaves reserved for serving
1 clove garlic, smashed and peeled
3/4-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest plus 2 tablespoons juice
1 teaspoon light-brown sugar
1/3 cup roasted peanuts, divided
2 to 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3/4 pound spaghetti or linguine, cooked according to package instructions

Steps:

  • In a food processor, combine cilantro, garlic, ginger, vegetable and sesame oils, red-pepper flakes, lime zest and juice, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup peanuts. Pulse until a coarse paste forms. Season with soy sauce and pulse to combine.
  • In a large bowl, toss pesto with pasta. Roughly chop remaining peanuts and sprinkle over pasta along with cilantro leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 471 g, Fat 16 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 2 g

PAN SEARED SALMON AND SCALLOPS WITH MACADAMIA-CILANTRO PESTO



Pan Seared Salmon and Scallops with Macadamia-Cilantro Pesto image

Try to get wild Alaskan king salmon if it's in season. But any salmon will do, just make sure it's fresh. However, if there are no good quality scallops available, just omit them.

Provided by Ryan Nomura

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian

Time 40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

½ cup unsalted macadamia nut pieces
1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
½ cup chopped green onions
3 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 lemon, zested and juiced
¾ cup macadamia nut oil, or more as needed
Kosher salt to taste
4 tablespoons olive oil
8 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, with skin
16 large (U-10) scallops, tendon removed
kosher salt to taste

Steps:

  • Prepare macadamia-cilantro pesto by placing macadamia nuts, cilantro, green onion, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and macadamia nut oil into the bowl of a blender. Puree until smooth, adding more oil if needed; season to taste with kosher salt.
  • Heat two very large skillets over medium-high heat with two tablespoons of oil each until smoking. Season the salmon and scallops to taste with kosher salt. Sear salmon fillets, meat-side down, until golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip over, and cook on the skin-side 5 minutes to desired doneness. Place seared salmon onto serving plates, then sear the scallops until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
  • To serve, spoon some of the macadamia-cilantro pesto over the salmon, and garnish with two seared scallop pieces.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 530.3 calories, Carbohydrate 5.4 g, Cholesterol 90.2 mg, Fat 39.4 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 39.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, Sodium 267.4 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

BROILED TOFU WITH CILANTRO PESTO



Broiled Tofu with Cilantro Pesto image

Categories     Side     Broil     Quick & Easy     Pine Nut     Tofu     Cilantro     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Kidney Friendly     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free

Yield Makes 12 side-dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup mild olive oil plus additional for brushing
2 (14- to 16-oz) packages firm tofu, rinsed and drained
2 cups packed fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons Asian fish sauce
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish: pine nuts; fresh cilantro leaves; lime wedges

Steps:

  • Preheat broiler and lightly oil a shallow flameproof baking pan with olive oil.
  • Cut each block of tofu crosswise into 6 slices and pat dry between several layers of paper towels. Arrange in 1 layer in baking pan and brush tops of slices with more olive oil. Broil 4 to 6 inches from heat, without turning, until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
  • While tofu is broiling, purée cilantro, pine nuts, lime juice, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until bright green and smooth, about 1 minute.
  • Transfer tofu with a slotted spatula to a platter and serve with cilantro pesto.

CILANTRO PESTO PASTA SALAD



Cilantro Pesto Pasta Salad image

Provided by Marcela Valladolid

Categories     side-dish

Time 40m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups tightly packed fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic
1 cup olive oil
2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half
1/2 shallot, thinly sliced
Olive oil, for drizzling
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups cooked rotini pasta, cooled
4 cooked chicken breasts (we used grilled), cooled and cut into cubes
Parmesan shavings, for garnish
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • For the cilantro pesto: Add the cilantro, pine nuts, Parmesan, lemon juice and garlic to a food processor and pulse until the ingredients are roughly chopped, 4 to 5 times. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the oil through the lid opening. Process to desired consistency; you can make the sauce completely smooth or leave it fairly chunky.
  • For the roasted tomatoes: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add the tomatoes and shallot. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes start to break down and brown slightly, about 15 minutes. Let cool.
  • For the salad: In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, tomatoes and pesto and toss. Garnish with shaved Parmesan and a few cilantro leaves and serve.

CILANTRO CHILI-LIME CASHEW PESTO



Cilantro Chili-Lime Cashew Pesto image

A pesto with a little kick using a favorite snack I found at Trader Joe's -- Chili-Lime Cashews -- nummy! This pesto is great on pasta or with shrimp or fish. Brush on meat, chicken, or fish before grilling.

Provided by Michelle Reger

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes

Time 18m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup fresh parsley leaves
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 cup chili-lime cashews
½ cup olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup grated Asiago cheese

Steps:

  • Put the cilantro, parsley, lime juice, cashews, olive oil, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and grated cheese into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until mixture is smooth, 8 to 10 pulses. If mixture is too thick, add more olive oil; if too thin, add more cashews.
  • Pour into 4 one-cup freezer containers. Use one container within a few days; freeze the others for later.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 125 calories, Carbohydrate 3.6 g, Cholesterol 3 mg, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 246.2 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

Tips:

  • Choose fresh cilantro: The fresher the cilantro, the more flavorful your pesto will be. Look for cilantro that is brightly colored and has no signs of wilting.
  • Use a variety of nuts: You can use any type of nuts you like in your pesto, but pine nuts and walnuts are classic choices. If you're using walnuts, toast them briefly in a pan before adding them to the pesto.
  • Add some cheese: Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese are both great additions to pesto. They add a salty, nutty flavor that complements the cilantro and basil.
  • Don't over-process the pesto: Pesto is best when it's a little chunky. If you over-process it, it will become too smooth and lose its texture.
  • Use pesto as a condiment or marinade: Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of ways. Try it as a condiment for grilled chicken or fish, or use it as a marinade for vegetables.

Conclusion:

Cilantro pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that is easy to make at home. With its bright, herbaceous flavor, cilantro pesto is a great way to add some freshness and flavor to your favorite dishes. So next time you're looking for a new way to enjoy cilantro, try making a batch of pesto. You won't be disappointed!

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