Cilantro Lime Pesto

Bright, zesty, and packed with vibrant flavors, this Cilantro Lime Pesto is a unique twist on the classic Italian sauce that brings a fresh, citrusy flair to your favorite dishes. Made with aromatic cilantro, toasted almonds, tangy lime juice, and a hint of Parmesan, this pesto is as versatile as it is delicious. The balance of garlic, lime zest, and a touch of red pepper flakes adds depth and a subtle kick, while olive oil ties it all together for a silky finish. Ready in just 10 minutes, this easy no-cook recipe is perfect as a pasta sauce, a zippy marinade for grilled meats, or even a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps. Store it in the fridge or freezer for bursts of garden-fresh flavor all year long!

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups (loosely packed) fresh cilantro leaves
• 0.333 cup raw almonds
• 0.333 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 0.5 cup olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

Prepare the cilantro by rinsing it thoroughly under cold water and drying it completely. Remove any large stems.

Step 2

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.

Step 3

Add the cilantro leaves, toasted almonds, grated Parmesan, garlic cloves, lime juice, and lime zest to a food processor or blender.

Step 4

Pulse the mixture a few times until the cilantro and almonds are coarsely chopped.

Step 5

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 6

Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Pulse a few more times to combine.

Step 7

Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning or lime juice if necessary.

Step 8

Transfer the Cilantro Lime Pesto to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Step 9

Use as a sauce for pasta, a topping for grilled meats, or a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(180.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	431.2

Total Fat 33.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 29.6mg	0%
Sodium 525.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 17.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.5g	0%
Total Sugars 2.7g
Protein 22.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 477.8mg	0%
Iron 2.9mg	0%
Potassium 557.3mg	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: 65.5%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 15.4%