• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Simple Green Smoothies
  • Recipes
  • Challenge
  • About
  • Protein
  • Meal Plans
  • Ingredients
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Challenge
  • About
  • Protein
  • Meal Plans
  • Ingredients
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Challenge
  • About
  • Protein
  • Meal Plans
  • Ingredients
×

Home » Plant-Based Recipes

Spicy Cilantro Pesto

Published on 1.25.2021 by Jen Hansard

RECIPE CARD LEAVE REVIEW
Homemade cilantro pesto recipe

This delicious cilantro pesto can be used for a wide variety of dishes. It's got a spicy kick, and is bursting with flavor. Don't be afraid to use it as a sauce, dip, or spread... the possibilities are endless! I've got all the deets on this cilantro pesto recipe, along with my fav ways to use it, and some other pesto options for all you plant based foodies out there.

Spicy pesto with cilantro

How to make cilantro pesto

The ingredients for this pesto were chosen not only for their unique flavor profiles, but also because they marry so well together. In addition, the cashews add a creamy, rich component that compliments the tangy lime and spicy serrano chile.

The easiest way to make cilantro pesto is by using a food processor or blender, but you can also make it by hand using a mortar and pestle. Traditional pesto recipes use this method! Yet, a food processor or blender certainly makes cooking easier! The by-hand method produces a chunkier finished product, while an appliance will blend it a bit more smoothly.

First, chop the cashews, serrano chile, and garlic. Doing this before adding the cilantro leaves and tender stems will prevent any large chunks and yield a creamy, more uniform pesto.

Cashews, chile pepper, garlic and lime for spicy pesto

Serrano chiles are a tad spicier than jalapeños. If you prefer, remove the seeds and ribs of the chile for a milder flavor. Whatever you do, though, be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands and fingers (and eyes!) from the natural oils.

Next, add the cilantro leaves and stems. Pulse until finely chopped. Add the lime zest and juice.

If you don't have a citrus zester or microplane to remove the zest from the limes, you can use a vegetable peeler and then finely chop the zest before adding it to the processor or blender. The zest brightens the flavor of the cilantro pesto recipe, so it is a must have!

Finally, add the oil. Using a neutral flavored oil like avocado oil is preferable here, but a light olive oil will work too. It's all about the flavors! Sometimes olive oil can pack a punch all on its own. I've even used nut oils such as walnut, macadamia, or almond in this recipe.

Easy recipe swaps

If you love the idea of this cilantro pesto recipe, yet need some ingredient swaps, then read on! Macadamia nuts are a great swap for the cashews. If you want a some spice, yet not as much as a serrano chile gives, then try a jalapeño. If you need this to be spice-free, then ¼ of a green bell pepper will provide the right texture without the heat. Culantro is a fun herb I learned about when moving to Florida, and can be swapped in for cilantro.

Fresh cilantro add brightness to pesto

5 tips when making cilantro pesto

  • Use the cilantro stems. You can eat the stems of cilantro. The stems and leaves have a slightly different flavor - the leaves are a little milder tasting. Most leafy herb stems are too strongly flavored, but cilantro stems are tender and easily chop or blend into the pesto. Plus, who wants to spend all that time picking the leaves off the stems?
  • Roughly chop garlic, chiles, and nuts first. Chopping the garlic, chiles, and nuts first - either in the food processor, in the blender, or by hand, prevents large chunks of garlic in the cilantro pesto. You can do this by turning on the empty food processor (or blender) and dropping the garlic in through the feed hole, followed by the chiles and nuts.
  • Use fresh squeezed lime juice. Bottled citrus juices have a flat flavor. Whenever possible, use fresh-squeezed lime or lemon juice. Not only does it taste better, but you'll reap the nutritional benefits of fresh juice too.
  • Use the right type of oil. Most oils have some kind of flavor, especially the unrefined or virgin varieties. A grassy, green extra virgin olive oil will have a slightly bitter flavor that could take over the cilantro pesto. I suggest using a lighter flavored or neutral-flavored oil so the other flavors shine through. That being said, you can also use nut oils to add in some extra flavor.
  • Add extra flavor boosters. If you have access to fresh kaffir lime leaves, add a few to this pesto - you won't be sorry! But for those of us who are unable to find fresh kaffir lime leaves, fresh lime zest is a good stand-in. Lots of vibrant lime flavor is contained in that zest!
Vegan cilantro spicy pesto

Pesto serving suggestions

There are so many ways to use cilantro pesto! Try using it as a sandwich spread, as a pizza sauce, drizzled or dolloped over roasted veggies, a breakfast bowl, or a grain bowl. Or use as a dip for fresh veggies.

More pesto recipes

If spicy isn't your thing, yet you love a good plant based pesto, I've got some other recipes for you to try:

  • Vegan basil pesto
  • Sun-dried tomato pesto
  • Pistachio pesto
  • Arugula pesto

Who knew pesto could be so versatile?! Seriously though, if you can't use a certain kind of nut or seed mentioned in these recipes, mix + match until you find a winning combo for your dish. And don't forget to leave a rating + review on this recipe once you've tried it! I'd love to know if this cilantro pesto was a winner for you.

Cilantro Pesto Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe
Add some tangy, spicy cilantro pesto to soups, top veggies, or use as a dip or spread. Cilantro is a natural detoxifying herb that pairs well with lime and serrano chiles.
Total Time15 minutes
Servings8

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup raw cashews (raw)
  • 2 cloves garlic (peeled and halved)
  • 1 serrano chile (seeds and ribs removed, if desired)
  • 2 limes (juiced)
  • 3 bunches fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems, about 5 cups loosely packed)
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • sea salt (to taste)

Instructions

  • Place cashews, garlic cloves, and serrano chile into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the chopping blade. Pulse until finely chopped.
  • Add cilantro and lime zest to the food processor. Pulse a few times to combine.
  • With motor running, add lime juice and oil through the feed hole. Stop and scrape down sides as needed. Once pesto is the consistency of a slightly chunky paste, stop the food processor and add a good pinch of sea salt. Pulse a few times. Taste and add a little more salt, if needed.
  • Transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Notes

  • Not a fan of cilantro? Try swapping it out for a combination of mint and basil instead. Or use parsley.
  • Other nuts can be substituted for the cashews. Two or three Brazil nuts or ¼ cup macadamia nuts will best mimic the flavor and creamy texture of the cashews, but other tree nuts will also work.

Nutrition (estimated)

Calories: 149kcal (7%) Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 15g (23%) Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 11g Sodium: 3mg Potassium: 65mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 218IU (4%) Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) Calcium: 11mg (1%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
« Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
What are Healthy Fats »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janice

    May 24, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    5 stars
    I love cilantro and had some to use. Loved the bright color and taste!

    Reply
  2. Erin

    July 14, 2020 at 11:12 am

    5 stars
    I'm not the biggest cilantro fan, yet I love spice. I can't wait to add this to tacos!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      July 14, 2020 at 12:31 pm

      I love spice, too! I was thinking this would be great on street taco-style tacos.

Leave a Comment & Rating! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate the Recipe




Primary Sidebar

Jen hansard blogger at Simple Green Smoothies About

I'm Jen Hansard, mom of two, plant-based foodie, adventure junkie + cookbook author.

ABOUT ME
COOKBOOK
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS Feed
  • Best Green Smoothie Recipe
  • Classic Vegan Pizza Recipe
  • Austinite Vegan Tacos
  • Healthy Blueberry Smoothie
  • Anti Inflammatory Smoothie
  • Fat Burning Smoothies for Weight Loss

Get my brand new, FREE 10-Day Smoothie Plan delivered to your inbox. Sign up →

  • How to Meal Prep Smoothies
  • How to Freeze Spinach
  • Top 10 Superfoods List of 2022
  • Best Blenders for Smoothies
  • How To Make Almond Milk
  • Plant Based Protein Powder for Smoothies

Top-quality smoothie supplies to make this healthy habit stick and transform your life.
Shop now →

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Footer

RECIPES

CHALLENGE

TOP BLENDERS

SMOOTHIE SHOP

MEAL PLANNER

CONTACT

©Simple Green Smoothies

Affiliate | Privacy | Terms