Nut-Free Cilantro Pesto

Brighten up your meals with this Nut-Free Cilantro Pesto—an easy, vibrant sauce packed with fresh flavor! Perfect for those with nut allergies, this quick recipe swaps traditional pine nuts for a zesty blend of fresh cilantro, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. The rich extra virgin olive oil ties it all together, creating a smooth, herbaceous pesto in just 10 minutes. Customize the consistency with a touch of water, and use it to elevate pasta, grilled vegetables, or even as a spread for sandwiches. Gluten-free and bursting with bold flavors, this cilantro-forward twist on the classic pesto is a fresh, versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh cilantro leaves
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

1. Rinse the cilantro thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt and dry completely using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2

2. In a food processor, combine the cilantro leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and peeled garlic cloves. Blend for about 10 seconds until the mixture is finely chopped.

Step 3

3. Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the food processor. Blend for another 5 seconds until well combined.

Step 4

4. With the food processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue to blend until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency.

Step 5

5. If the pesto is too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time and pulse until achieving the desired consistency.

Step 6

6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or lemon juice if needed.

Step 7

7. Transfer the cilantro pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate if not using immediately. Properly stored, it will last up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	709.1 grams (709.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1191

Total Fat 129.40g	166%
Saturated Fat 24.00g	120%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 1969mg	86%
Total Carbohydrate 9.80g	4%
Dietary Fiber 5.80g	21%
Total Sugars 0.80g
Protein 21.90g	44%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 670mg	52%
Iron 6mg	31%
Potassium 1129mg	24%

*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: 90.2%

Protein: 6.8%

Carbs: 3.0%