Creamy Cilantro Pesto – Bon Appetit

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Servings: 1 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A vibrant, herby sauce that adds a lush, creamy texture to pasta and grilled meats.
Creamy Cilantro Pesto - Bon Appetit recipe image

This vibrant pesto swaps traditional basil for fresh cilantro, creating a bright, herbaceous sauce with a luxurious creamy finish. The combination of toasted pine nuts, sharp Parmesan, and zesty lemon juice balances the fresh cilantro flavor perfectly. The addition of whipping cream softens the texture, making it incredibly smooth and rich. It’s an excellent alternative for those who find basil too overpowering or simply want a different twist on classic pesto. Serve it tossed with hot pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a drizzle over grilled chicken. This versatile sauce comes together quickly in a food processor, making it an easy weeknight addition to elevate simple ingredients.

Creamy Cilantro Pesto - Bon Appetit recipe image
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Creamy Cilantro Pesto – Bon Appetit

Author: chefs-mate Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 1 Calories: 74.6

Description

This vibrant pesto swaps traditional basil for fresh cilantro, creating a bright, herbaceous sauce with a luxurious creamy finish. The combination of toasted pine nuts, sharp Parmesan, and zesty lemon juice balances the fresh cilantro flavor perfectly. The addition of whipping cream softens the texture, making it incredibly smooth and rich. It&# 226;ÂÂs an excellent alternative for those who find basil too overpowering or simply want a different twist on classic pesto. Serve it tossed with hot pasta, spread on sandwiches, or as a drizzle over grilled chicken. This versatile sauce comes together quickly in a food processor, making it an easy weeknight addition to elevate simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Place the packed fresh cilantro, pine nuts, freshly grated Parmesan, 1 oz of additional cheese if desired, 1 tablespoon of grated lemon peel, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into the bowl of a food processor.
  2. Process the mixture until it is almost smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. With the machine running, gradually pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil through the feed tube until the pesto is smooth and emulsified.
  4. If the pesto appears too thick or dry, mix in additional olive oil by the spoonful until the desired consistency is reached.
  5. Transfer the processed pesto to a mixing bowl.
  6. Stir in 3 tablespoons of whipping cream until fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy and uniform.
  7. Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately with pasta, grilled corn, or as a salad dressing. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 74.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.4g7%
Saturated Fat 2.7g14%
Cholesterol 13.2mg5%
Sodium 231.6mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 3.2g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
Sugars 2.1g
Protein 5.3g11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: cilantro pesto, creamy pesto, herb sauce, pasta sauce, pine nuts, parmesan, lemon zest, food processor, quick sauce, vegetarian, italian cuisine, fresh herbs, summer recipe, easy dinner, flavorful, smooth texture, grilled chicken, corn on the cob, salad dressing, fresh parmesan, olive oil
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