Cilantro Pesto De Esteban is a vibrant and zesty twist on the classic pesto. This recipe combines the fresh, citrusy notes of cilantro with the rich, nutty flavors of pine nuts and parmesan cheese. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor to pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip, this pesto is both versatile and delicious.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your pantry. Pine nuts can be found in the baking or nut section of most supermarkets, but they can be pricey. Fresh cilantro is usually available in the produce section. Make sure to get a good quality olive oil for the best flavor. Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for optimal taste.

Ingredients For Cilantro Pesto De Esteban
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves add a unique, citrusy flavor to the pesto.
Olive oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for the pesto, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the pesto, balancing the freshness of the cilantro.
Pine nuts: Contribute a rich, buttery texture and flavor, making the pesto creamy and delicious.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the other ingredients.
Lemon juice: Brightens the pesto with a touch of acidity, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the cilantro for this recipe, make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the leaves to remove any dirt or grit. Additionally, toasting the pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the food processor can enhance their flavor, giving your pesto a deeper, nuttier taste.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
fresh cilantro leaves - Substitute with fresh parsley leaves: Parsley provides a similar fresh and slightly peppery flavor, making it a good alternative to cilantro.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and similar health benefits, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly saltier taste, which can enhance the flavor profile of the pesto.
pine nuts - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts provide a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative to pine nuts.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic, which can add a different but pleasant taste to the pesto.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor, making it a good substitute for lemon juice.
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How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
To keep your cilantro pesto fresh and vibrant, transfer it to an airtight container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pesto to minimize exposure to air, which can cause discoloration.
For an extra layer of protection, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before sealing the container. This will help preserve the bright green color and prevent oxidation.
Store the container in the fridge. Your cilantro pesto will stay fresh for up to a week, making it a convenient addition to your meals throughout the week.
If you want to enjoy your cilantro pesto for a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray, filling each compartment about three-quarters full. This allows you to use just the right amount when needed.
Once the pesto cubes are frozen solid, pop them out of the tray and transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or another airtight container. Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
When you're ready to use the frozen pesto, simply take out the desired number of cubes and let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. You can also add the frozen cubes directly to hot dishes like soups or pasta, where they will melt and blend seamlessly.
For the best flavor, use the frozen cilantro pesto within three months. While it will still be safe to eat after this period, the vibrant flavors may start to diminish.
Remember, whether stored in the fridge or freezer, always use a clean spoon to scoop out the cilantro pesto. This helps prevent contamination and extends the shelf life of your delicious creation.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Gently warm the cilantro pesto in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent the olive oil from separating and to maintain the vibrant green color.
If you prefer using a microwave, transfer the cilantro pesto to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
For a quick and even reheating, place the cilantro pesto in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir occasionally until the pesto is warmed to your liking.
If you're incorporating the cilantro pesto into a hot dish, such as pasta or grilled vegetables, simply add it to the dish while it's still hot. The residual heat will warm the pesto without the need for separate reheating.
To preserve the fresh taste and texture, avoid reheating the cilantro pesto multiple times. Instead, reheat only the portion you plan to use immediately.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Food processor: Essential for blending all the ingredients into a smooth pesto.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the cilantro leaves, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts accurately.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves before adding them to the food processor.
Citrus juicer: Useful for extracting the lemon juice efficiently.
Spatula: Helps in scraping down the sides of the food processor to ensure all ingredients are well blended.
Airtight container: Necessary for storing the pesto in the fridge to keep it fresh.
Knife: Used for chopping the cilantro leaves if needed before adding them to the food processor.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the cilantro and garlic.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the cilantro, olive oil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice before starting to save time during preparation.
Use a mini processor: A mini food processor can blend the pesto more quickly and efficiently than a larger one, reducing cleanup time.
Toast nuts in bulk: Toast a larger batch of pine nuts and store them for future recipes to save time.
Pre-wash herbs: Wash and dry the cilantro ahead of time and store it in the fridge to speed up the process.
Store properly: Make a double batch and store the extra pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Cilantro Pesto De Esteban Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine cilantro, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor.
- Blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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