Drop a bowl of pesto pasta down and watch dinner guests become enchanted by the verdant sauce. The classic combination of salty cheese, fragrant basil, toasted pine nuts, and snappy olive oil is undeniably loveable. Longing to switch it up and invite a little adventure, I decided to make cilantro pesto. It has become my sauce of the summer.
Now, this is not for the cilantro-adverse (sorry to those who think it tastes soapy!). But if you’re a fan of the herb, using cilantro instead of basil lends a citrusy, refreshing tang. Think: Salsa verde meets pesto. It’s delicious tossed with pasta, but also shines in just about any application you would use regular pesto: spooned over grilled chicken, tossed with ripe summer tomatoes, brushed on shrimp skewers.
Cilantro pesto’s ingredients are similar to the basil variety, with a few bolder additions. A serrano chile adds a subtle kick that lingers, yet never builds past a whisper. A splash of fresh lime juice gives it a welcomed brightness. Pepitas replace traditional pine nuts, adding additional green color and a similarly nutty flavor at a fraction of the cost. In place of Parmesan is cotija, a crumbly Mexican cheese that adds creaminess. And of course, the star of the show: a plethora of fresh cilantro. (Specifically: one very large bunch, or two smaller ones. Tender stems and all.)
Before blending, dip the cilantro in boiling water, then plunge it into an ice bath. This locks in its vibrant green color so it stays bright for days. (Just make sure you wash the herbs prior to blanching so no stray sand or dirt makes its way into your sauce.) The result: a smooth, green sauce that’s beaming with fragrant summer flavor.
Stash a batch in your fridge to instantly jazz up anything the pesto touches. My favorite way to use it is to toss it with cooked spaghetti with a touch of pasta water and butter. It looks like classic pesto, yet tastes far more fun.
This vibrant cilantro pesto recipe blends blanched herbs, Cotija cheese, garlic, and toasted pepitas. Toss with pasta for a fresh and bold spaghetti pesto.
