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Bright green Cilantro Pesto drizzled over toasted bread, a flavorful appetizer.

Bright & Bold Cilantro Pesto Recipe (with Parmesan Twist!)

Discover our vibrant Cilantro Pesto recipe, enhanced with a unique Parmesan twist for extra depth and umami. Perfect for pasta, salmon, or as a fresh spread. Easy to make! This versatile sauce comes together in minutes, elevating any meal with its bright, bold flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Condiment, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds (or 2/3 cup whole almonds)
  • 2 cups fresh cilantro (large stems removed)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Equipment

  • Food processor

Method
 

Making the Pesto Base
  1. Combine all ingredients, including the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, in the bowl of a food processor.
  2. Process the ingredients, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the pesto is smooth and has a consistent, bright green color.
  3. Take a small taste, then adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, to your preference, until it is perfectly balanced.

Notes

Enhance flavor by toasting almonds and using freshly grated Parmesan. Prevent browning by storing in an airtight container with an olive oil layer. Keeps 5 days refrigerated or 6 months frozen. Perfect for pasta, fish, or as a spread.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.