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    Delightful Mom Food / Recipes / Meal Type / Condiments / Cilantro Basil Pesto

    Last Updated February 1, 2022. Published January 20, 2022 Danielle Fahrenkrug | This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

    Cilantro Basil Pesto

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    Beautifully fragrant cilantro basil pesto! This easy pesto recipe comes together in 5 minutes and takes meals to a whole new level! Use this homemade pesto by tossing into pasta noodles, as a spread, and in salads.

    basil cilantro pesto in a glass jar with a spoon

    Pesto with cilantro and basil

    This cilantro basil pesto has versatile flavors and is similar to cilantro pesto and kale basil pesto, just with a few fresh greens swapped around:-). This simple recipe uses a food process and a basic ingredients you may already have in your fridge plus fresh herb leaves of cilantro and basil! We like to add cheese in our pesto, but feel free use the alternative listed in the recipe for a vegan version.

    Ingredients: fresh cilantro and basil leaves

    ingredients for pesto made with fresh cilantro leaves basil leaves nuts oil and optional cheese
    • Cilantro leaves and stem. Cilantro, also known as Coriander, is an herb that stands up to spicy foods and is a key ingredient in Latin American and Asian cooking. Both the sprigs and stems can be wonderful to add to recipes.
    • Basil leaves and stem. Basil is mainly used in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, but also pairs beautifully with cilantro. It has a slight licoricelike aroma and peppery taste. Since there is quite a variety of basil to choose from, we recommend using either Genovese Basil, Thai Sweet Basil, Lime Basil or Lemon Basil for making cilantro basil pesto.
    • extra virgin olive oil – this is liquid that holds it all together into to use as a sauce, spread or dip.
    • walnuts or slivered almonds – this gives pesto a bit of crunch and earthy notes.
    • Parmesan cheese – use shredded or grated so it blends well and a fresh brand. You can also substitute it for another ¼ nuts to create a vegan cilantro basil pesto.
    • garlic – brings out loads of flavor and adds loads of nutrition such as antiviral properties and antioxidants.
    • salt and black pepper – we like to use pink Himalayan salt in almost everything for its natural minerals and nutrients.
    • fresh lemon juice – use 1 lemon, which is about 2 tablespoons or 1 fluid ounce.

    How to make this cilantro basil pesto recipe

    Using a food processor, add the cilantro with stems, basil leaves and stems, olive oil, nuts, cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until it becomes almost smooth.

    pesto ingredients in a food processor

    Taste it and if it is slightly bitter add a bit more salt to taste. See notes in the frequently asked questions below on adjusting the taste. This pesto will last 1 week in the refrigerator in a sealed container or jar.

    pesto made of cilantro and basil in a jar with a spoon

    Where to use cilantro and basil pesto

    Cilantro and basil pesto is so good in many cuisines and especially when used tossed in pasta or over meat it intensifies the flavors. It pairs well with chicken, fish, and many vegetables, including tomatoes, broccoli, beets, and cucumbers. Use a basil cilantro pesto in any of these recipes:

    • Use it in Lemony Basil Pesto Pasta.
    • Mix in with a Cucumber Tomato Salad.
    • Top it on Cod Fish.
    • Use it as a condiment over this Easy Chicken Breast Recipe.
    • Toss it into a Healthy Mac ‘n’ Cheese or Broccoli Pasta dish.
    • Top any pizza recipe or our Avocado Crust Pizza with this cilantro basil pesto.
    • Dab a few tablespoons over Mexican Stuffed Peppers.
    • Stir it into Roasted Cauliflower Red Pepper Soup or Tomato Basil Soup.
    • Spread it over Sweet Potato Toast or a regular slice of bread.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you make substitutions for the cilantro and basil in pesto?

    You can substitute cilantro or basil for other leafy greens such as kale, spinach, chard, kale, arugula, or watercress. Herbs that can be substituted are mint, tarragon, and sage, but parsley is too close the same oil as basil and might be overpowering. Mint is a member of the basil family, so it can be used as an alternative for basil. Any alterations in herbs with change the flavor.

    How do you remove the bitterness in a basil pesto?

    Sometimes pesto can have a slight bitter flavor based on the plant but this can easily be fixed. Try adding a bit more salt and a sprinkle of sugar or citrus juice until it goes away.

    Can I substitute dry basil and / or cilantro in cilantro basil pesto?

    I highly recommend using only fresh basil and cilantro for making pesto. It absorbs the oils and natural moisture to create a wonderfully fragrant condiment.

    How long does fresh pesto last?

    Store this homemade cilantro basil pesto in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

    cilantro and basil pesto in a jar with a spoon

    Try our other pesto recipes

    • Roasted Cauliflower with Pesto and Almonds
    • Cilantro Basil Pesto Pasta
    • Kale and Basil Pesto Recipe
    • One-Pot Lemony Basil Pesto Pasta

    If you make this cilantro basil pesto recipe from Delightful Mom Food I would love to see your creations and share it! Follow along with me on INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE and TWITTER to be featured and for more recipe inspiration! And don’t forget to rate the recipe in the recipe area and leave a comment below.

    basil cilantro pesto in a glass jar with a serving spoon

    Cilantro Basil Pesto

    Beautifully fragrant cilantro basil pesto! This easy pesto recipe comes together in 5 minutes and takes meals to a whole new level!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American, Italian, Latin American, Mexican
    Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 162kcal
    Author: Danielle Fahrenkrug

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves large stems removed, about 1 bunch
    • ¾ cup fresh basil leaves large stems removed
    • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
    • ¼ cup walnuts or slivered almonds
    • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shredded, or for a vegan version substitute it for another ¼ nuts
    • 2 garlic cloves peeled
    • 1 lemon juice of, or about 2 tablespoons
    • ½ teaspoon pink salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • Using a food processor, add the cilantro, basil, olive oil, nuts, cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until it becomes almost smooth. Taste it and if it is slightly bitter add a bit more salt to taste. See notes below on adjusting the taste. This pesto will last 1 week in the refrigerator in a sealed container or jar.

    Notes

    1. Store this homemade cilantro basil pesto in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
    2. Sometimes pesto can have a slight bitter flavor based on the plant but this can easily be fixed. Try adding a bit more salt and a sprinkle of sugar or citrus juice until it goes away.
    3. This recipe makes 1 cup of pesto. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 197mg | Potassium: 61mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 322IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DelightfulMomFood or tag #DelightfulMomFood!

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    About Danielle Fahrenkrug

    Danielle Fahrenkrug is the writer and photographer behind Delightful Mom Food. She is a mama of two young boys and loves food, family, friends, and Jesus with a passion for wine, coffee, and cauliflower crusted pizza. Danielle is also the author for Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Baking Cookbook, Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cookbook, Dairy-Free Cookbook for Kids and is a certified health and nutrition life coach.

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    Danielle Fahrenkrug | Recipe Developer
    Hi, and welcome to Delightful Mom Food - I am thrilled you are here! Here you will find traditional recipes that I transform into healthier versions the whole family enjoys, because eating healthy should be delicious and mean you can still enjoy your favorite foods! I am a food photographer, writer, 3x cookbook author, and certified health and nutrition life coach.
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