Zesty Cilantro Lime Pesto
Elevate your culinary creations with this vibrant Zesty Cilantro Lime Pesto, perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, tossing with pasta, or spreading on your favorite sandwiches. This recipe combines the fresh flavors of cilantro and parsley with the nuttiness of toasted walnuts, a hint of Parmesan cheese, and zesty lime to create a versatile sauce that enhances any dish. Enjoy the delightful combination of fresh herbs and citrus while embracing the health benefits associated with these fresh ingredients.
N/A
Servings
213
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cilantro
1 cup (packed)
Parsley
1/2 cup (packed)
Walnuts
1/4 cup (toasted)
Olive Oil
1/3 cup (none)
Parmesan Cheese
3 tablespoons (grated)
Lime Zest
1 teaspoon (none)
Lime Juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
Begin by gathering all your ingredients: packed cilantro, parsley, toasted walnuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lime zest, and lime juice.
2
In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, parsley, and toasted walnuts until finely chopped.
3
With the processor running, gradually pour in the olive oil and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, lime zest, and lime juice, blending again until well combined.
5
Taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper to your preference, adjusting the flavors as needed.
6
Transfer the pesto to a serving bowl or airtight container and enjoy immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
4g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro Lime Pesto?
It is a vibrant herb-based sauce made from cilantro, parsley, toasted walnuts, lime, and Parmesan cheese, suitable for many culinary uses.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are cilantro, parsley, toasted walnuts, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lime zest, and lime juice.
How many calories are in a serving of this pesto?
This recipe contains 213 calories per serving.
Is this cilantro lime pesto vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
How should I store the leftover pesto?
You should store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the pesto stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The pesto will remain fresh for up to one week when properly refrigerated.
Can I use this pesto with pasta?
Yes, it is excellent for tossing with your favorite pasta dishes.
Is this recipe suitable for grilled meats?
Absolutely, it is designed to be drizzled over grilled meats for extra flavor.
Can I use this pesto as a sandwich spread?
Yes, its creamy and zesty profile makes it a perfect spread for sandwiches.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for toasted walnuts.
Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?
While the recipe calls for walnuts, you could experiment with pine nuts or almonds as substitutes.
How much cilantro do I need?
You will need 1 cup of packed cilantro.
How much parsley is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of packed parsley.
Does this recipe use fresh lime juice?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Is lime zest included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of lime zest for extra citrus flavor.
How much olive oil is used in the mixture?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of olive oil.
How much Parmesan cheese should I add?
You should add 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Why should the walnuts be toasted?
Toasting the walnuts enhances their nuttiness and provides a deeper flavor to the pesto.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe that can be prepared quickly in a food processor.
Can I make this pesto in a blender?
Yes, a blender or a food processor can be used to chop and combine the ingredients.
What is the best way to add the olive oil?
Gradually pour the olive oil into the processor while it is running to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture.
Should I season the pesto?
Yes, you should taste the pesto and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference.
What is the total fat content?
There are 21 grams of fat in this pesto recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
This recipe contains 4 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in this pesto?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
Is this pesto considered a fresh sauce?
Yes, it is a fresh herb sauce that emphasizes the flavors of cilantro, parsley, and lime.
Can I use this pesto as a dip?
Yes, it works wonderfully as a dip for vegetables or bread.
Is the pesto spicy?
The recipe as written is not spicy, but you can adjust the pepper or add chili flakes if you prefer heat.
What type of preparation is needed for the cilantro?
The cilantro should be packed tightly into the measuring cup.
Can I use this pesto as a marinade?
Yes, its zesty and acidic lime components make it a great marinade for various proteins.