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    Home » Recipes » Condiments

    January 12, 2022 Condiments

    Dairy-Free Cilantro Pesto

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure for more info.

    This dairy-free cilantro pesto looks like any other pesto, but the taste is unmatched. It’s made with a handful of simple ingredients and is the sauce you didn’t even know you needed.

    If I had to describe this cilantro pesto in one word it would be delightful. Or delectable. Or maybe scrumptious.

    You get the picture.

    Although cilantro can have a strong flavor, it’s not overpowering whatsoever in this pesto. It’s almost subtle but in the best way possible.

    Ingredients For Cilantro Pesto

    • cilantro leaves and stems
    • pepitas
    • shallot
    • extra virgin olive oil
    • lime juice
    • salt

    Make It Your Way: Ingredient Substitutions

    Please remember that recipes are just a starting point.

    How can you make this dairy-free cilantro pesto using what you already have? Here are some ideas…

    • Limited amount of cilantro? ➝ sub in spinach or kale for half of the cilantro
    • No pepitas? ➝ you can sub in hemp seeds, pine nuts, almonds, cashews, or pistachios
    • No shallots? ➝ use yellow or red onion, green onion, or leeks (about ¼ – ⅓ cup when diced)

    Add-ins ➝ garlic, spinach (even if using the full amount of cilantro, just use a larger quantity of the other ingredients to balance the flavors out), red pepper flakes, citrus zest, ginger, etc.

    Tools Needed

    • chef knife
    • cutting board
    • food processor
    • dry measuring cups
    • liquid measuring cups

    Helpful Tips For Making The Best Cilantro Pesto

    UTILIZE THE STEMS

    Cilantro stems are tender and packed with that lovely cilantro flavor, so be sure to include them. This is also a great way to get the most bang for your buck and reduce your food waste.

    HOW TO STORE PESTO

    Pesto lasts in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. The easiest way to freeze them is to put them in a silicone ice cube tray and pop out little squares when you need to add a boost of flavor.

    Let them thaw overnight in the fridge or throw directly into a warm pan.

    HOW TO USE CILANTRO PESTO

    • add a dollop to Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes
    • make stuffed peppers – just swap out this pesto for the one in the recipe
    • smother on a Spanish tortilla
    • eat it with cooked proteins, pasta, or crispy smashed potatoes
    • the options are endless

    More Dairy-Free Pesto Recipes You’ll Love

    • Easy Arugula Pesto (Nut-Free Option)
    • Red Pesto Sauce
    • Walnut Basil Pesto
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Dairy-Free Cilantro Pesto

    This dairy-free cilantro pesto looks like any other pesto, but the taste is unmatched. It's made with a handful of simple ingredients and is nut-free.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time10 mins
    Author: Lindsey Jenkins

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups cilantro leaves and stems
    • ⅓ cup raw pepitas or substitute
    • 1 shallot, diced or substitute
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus more to taste
    • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • salt, to taste

    Instructions

    • In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the pepitas until lightly brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add them to the bowl of your food processor.
    • In the same pan, add a little oil and the diced shallots. Cook until translucent and add them to the bowl of your food processor along with the rest of the ingredients.
    • Process until everything is well incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed. Taste and add more salt or another squeeze of lime juice until it’s reached your desired taste.

    Notes

    • Optional add-ins ➝ garlic, spinach (even if using the full amount of cilantro, just use a larger quantity of the other ingredients to balance the flavors out), red pepper flakes, citrus zest, ginger, etc.

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    Hi, I'm Lindsey. My goal is to teach you how to become a better cook, rely less on recipes, and be more adaptable in the kitchen depending on what's in season, in your pantry, or to fit your dietary needs. All recipes are dairy-free but come with a "make it your way" substitution section to get you started.

    More about me →

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