Hawaiian Pesto

Elevate your pesto game with this vibrant and tropical Hawaiian Pesto recipe—a refreshing twist on the classic Italian favorite! Bursting with the unique flavors of fresh cilantro, fragrant basil, and juicy pineapple chunks, this creamy pesto combines the richness of macadamia nuts and Parmesan cheese with zesty garlic and lime juice. A drizzle of olive oil ties it all together, creating a smooth, tantalizing sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and tangy notes. Ideal for pasta, grilled seafood, or as a dip for vegetables, this no-cook wonder is ready in just 15 minutes, making it a must-try addition to your summer-inspired dishes. Perfect for those seeking a taste of the tropics in their kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
• 0.5 cup Macadamia nuts
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
• 0.5 cup Olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Start by washing and drying the cilantro and basil leaves thoroughly. Remove any tough stems.

Step 2

In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, basil, pineapple chunks, and macadamia nuts. Pulse until roughly chopped.

Step 3

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and lime juice to the mixture. Blend until a smooth paste begins to form.

Step 4

With the food processor or blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5

Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Blend briefly to incorporate the seasoning.

Step 6

Taste the pesto and adjust for balance, adding more lime juice for acidity or salt for seasoning, if needed.

Step 7

Transfer the Hawaiian Pesto to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Step 8

Serve the pesto over pasta, as a topping for grilled seafood, or as a dip for fresh vegetables. Enjoy your tropical creation!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	989.3 grams (989.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1835

Total Fat 180.00g	231%
Saturated Fat 33.20g	166%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.60g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 2207mg	96%
Total Carbohydrate 50.30g	18%
Dietary Fiber 15.00g	54%
Total Sugars 26.50g
Protein 29.00g	58%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 775mg	60%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 1690mg	36%

*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: 83.6%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 10.4%