Cilantro Lemon Pesto

Bright, zesty, and utterly versatile, this Cilantro Lemon Pesto is a fresh twist on the classic herb sauce that’s perfect for endlessly creative meals. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh cilantro, a hint of parsley for balance, and tangy lemon juice and zest, this recipe is elevated by the nuttiness of roasted cashews and the umami depth of Parmesan cheese. Garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) round out its bold profile, while extra-virgin olive oil lends a silky texture. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this pesto makes a flavor-packed topping for pasta, roasted veggies, grilled meats, or even as a dip for crusty bread. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping it up fresh, this cilantro lemon pesto is an easy, vibrant way to brighten any dish. Keywords: cilantro lemon pesto, quick pesto recipe, fresh herb sauce, easy homemade pesto, no-cook pesto sauce.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh cilantro leaves
• 0.5 cups Fresh parsley leaves (optional, for balance)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 0.25 cups Unsalted roasted cashews (or pine nuts)
• 0.25 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cups Extra-virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

Step 1

1. Begin by rinsing and thoroughly drying the cilantro and parsley leaves to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2

2. In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the fresh cilantro, parsley (if using), lemon juice, lemon zest, roasted cashews, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves.

Step 3

3. Pulse the ingredients a few times until they are roughly chopped and beginning to combine.

Step 4

4. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the machine is running. Blend until the pesto is smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5

5. Season the pesto with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend briefly to incorporate the seasonings.

Step 6

6. Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a little more lemon juice for brightness or salt for enhanced flavor, if desired.

Step 7

7. Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Step 8

8. Use as a dip, sauce, or topping to elevate your favorite dishes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(820.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1448.6

Total Fat 146.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 20mg	0%
Sodium 1656.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 29.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 4.6g
Protein 24.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 640.4mg	0%
Iron 11.8mg	0%
Potassium 1896.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 86.1%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 7.6%