Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto

User Reviews

5

24 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    5 mins

  • Servings

    8 servings

  • Calories

    113 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto

This Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto combines fresh cilantro, mild heat from jalapeño, and the crunch of almonds into a creamy sauce smoothened by extra-virgin olive oil. The balance of bright herbs with subtle spice and the nuttiness of almonds gives this pesto a fresh and vibrant flavor, perfect for mixing into pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or serving as a dip.

Description

Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto highlights the vibrant herbal flavor of cilantro paired with the gentle heat of jalapeño peppers. The almonds provide texture and a nutty depth, which is tempered by olive oil into a silky sauce. The use of whole, sliced, or slivered almonds allows for slight texture variations, depending on preference. The preparation involves pulsing almonds first if whole, then blending all ingredients until smooth, with olive oil added for consistency. Salt and black pepper adjust the seasoning to taste.

The pesto can be used as a versatile condiment or sauce, adding a fresh and spicy note to many dishes such as grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or simply tossed with pasta. Its creamy yet textured nature makes it a flavorful alternative to traditional basil pesto.

For storage, keep the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze it for up to six months. Cheese such as crumbled cotija or queso fresco can be incorporated to add a salty, creamy dimension if desired.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1/2 cup almonds whole, sliced, or slivered
  • 1 cilantro large stems removed, bunch
  • 1 jalapeño seeds removed, if you want a mild pesto
  • 1 clove garlic
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus more if necessary

Instructions

  1. If using whole almonds, pulse in food processor until coarsely ground. Otherwise, skip to step two.
  2. Place all ingredients except for olive oil in food processor and turn on.
  3. While food processor is running, add olive oil (1/4 cup). If consistency of pesto is too thick, add more olive oil until you have the desired consistency.

Notes

  • Store pesto in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to six months to maintain freshness.
  • Consider adding half a cup of crumbled cotija or queso fresco for a cheesy variation that complements the herbal and spicy flavors.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 113kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 1mg (0%) Potassium 79mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 152IU (3%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 25mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 113 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 113kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Potassium 79mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 152IU 3%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Calcium 25mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5

24 reviews
Excellent

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