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White bowl, jar, and wooden spoon with cilantro pesto on a white plate. Grey background.

Cilantro Pesto Recipe

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5 from 11 reviews

This super easy pesto recipe is a take on the traditional condiment. Made with cilantro and almonds, it comes together in minutes, keeps for a few weeks in the fridge and is excellent with pasta, sandwiches, and soup. 

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About 3/4 cup

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 4 garlic cloves (roasted if you like, see Notes below)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated asiago cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 or 4 tablespoons evaporated milk (or cream)
  • Salt and black pepper

Instructions

  • In the bowl of an immersion blender or food processor, process all ingredients until a paste forms.
  • Check seasonings and adjust.
  • Transfer to a glass container, carefully add a thin layer of olive oil, and cover. Refrigerate until ready to use. 

Notes

  • Garlic: you can use it raw or roasted. To roast garlic cloves: put unpeeled cloves in a baking pan, drizzle with olive oil and bake them for about half an hour in a 325° oven until soft. 
  • To store cilantro pesto in the refrigerator, transfer it to a clean jar or airtight container, then cover the surface of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil. This will help prevent the pesto from oxidizing and turning brown. Store the pesto in the refrigerator for up to a week or two.
  • To freeze cilantro pesto, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or an ice cube tray. If using an ice cube tray, freeze the pesto and transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe container. Cover the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil before freezing to help preserve its flavor and color. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of warm water for a quicker thaw, and use as desired.
  • Author: Paula Montenegro
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Condiments & Sauces
  • Method: Blender
  • Cuisine: International