Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparing Your Vibrant Cilantro Pesto
- Gather all your ingredients. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the slivered almonds, fresh cilantro, garlic cloves, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper (if using), and the toasted pepitas.
- Secure the lid and blend the mixture until it becomes smooth. Scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Continue blending until the pesto achieves a consistent, bright green color and a creamy texture. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, to your liking.
Tossing with Pasta for a Quick Meal
- When ready to use this delicious cilantro pesto as a pasta sauce, simply cook 1 pound of your favorite pasta according to the package directions in a large pot of well-salted water.
- Before draining the pasta, remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and then return it to the pot.
- Add about 1 cup of the fresh pesto sauce to the warm pasta. Toss everything together, adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce beautifully coats the pasta and reaches your desired consistency.
Notes
For the best flavor, always use fresh, vibrant cilantro and freshly squeezed lemon juice. A lighter-flavored olive oil is recommended to prevent bitterness. Remember to toast the pepitas to enhance their flavor and texture. Avoid over-blending to maintain the pesto's bright green color and fresh taste. Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface or adding a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation. This pesto freezes exceptionally well for up to 6 months; spoon into ice cube trays for convenient portions. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.