Can You Make Pesto With Cilantro

Yes, you can make pesto with cilantro, and it’s a delicious twist on the classic basil version.
 
Cilantro pesto swaps the usual basil for fresh cilantro leaves, giving you a bright, herby sauce with a bit of a citrusy kick.
 
If you’ve ever wondered “can you make pesto with cilantro?”, the answer is a resounding yes.
 
It’s a great way to use up a big bunch of cilantro before it goes bad, and it comes together in just a few minutes.
 
In this post, we’ll look at why making pesto with cilantro works so well, how to do it step by step, and a few tasty variations to try.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You Can Make Pesto with Cilantro

You can make pesto with cilantro because pesto is really just a formula, not a single rigid recipe.
 
The classic Genovese pesto combines basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan.
 
But that’s only one version of a much bigger idea.
 
Here’s why cilantro fits right into that formula.
 

1. Pesto Is a Flexible Formula

At its core, pesto needs three things: a leafy herb, a nut or seed, and a hard cheese, all bound together with oil.
 
Cilantro is a leafy herb, so it slides right into the herb role.
 
Swap the basil for cilantro and you’ve already made a legitimate pesto.
 
That’s why the question “can you make pesto with cilantro?” has such an easy answer.
 

2. Cilantro Brings a Fresh, Bold Flavor

Cilantro has a bright, slightly citrusy, and peppery taste that stands up well to garlic and nuts.
 
When you make pesto with cilantro, you get a sauce that tastes vibrant and a little unexpected.
 
It’s less sweet than basil pesto and has a sharper, more herbal edge.
 
This makes it perfect for dishes that need a punch of freshness.
 

3. The Texture Works Perfectly

Cilantro leaves blend into a smooth, vibrant green paste just like basil does.
 
They don’t turn bitter or stringy when pulsed in a food processor.
 
So the texture of your cilantro pesto will be just as silky as the traditional kind.
 
That’s another reason you can make pesto with cilantro without any weird results.
 

How to Make Pesto with Cilantro Step by Step

Making pesto with cilantro is quick and easy, and you probably already have most of the ingredients.
 
Here’s a simple method to follow.
 

1. Gather Your Ingredients

You’ll need two packed cups of fresh cilantro leaves, washed and dried.
 
Add half a cup of nuts or seeds like pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, or pepitas.
 
Toss in two cloves of garlic, half a cup of grated Parmesan or Pecorino, and about half a cup of olive oil.
 
A squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt round things out nicely.
 

2. Blend Everything Together

Pulse the cilantro, nuts, and garlic in a food processor until they’re finely chopped.
 
Scrape down the sides, then add the cheese and pulse again.
 
With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce becomes smooth.
 
If you want a thinner pesto, add a little more oil or a splash of water.
 

3. Taste and Adjust

Give your cilantro pesto a taste and add salt, lime juice, or more garlic as needed.
 
Remember that the flavors will deepen after a few minutes, so don’t over-season right away.
 
Once it tastes right, you’ve officially made pesto with cilantro.
 

Tasty Variations for Cilantro Pesto

One of the best things about making pesto with cilantro is how many ways you can tweak it.
 
Here are a few ideas to switch things up.
 

1. Add a Spicy Kick

Toss in a jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes while blending.
 
The heat pairs beautifully with cilantro’s fresh flavor.
 
This version is amazing on tacos, grilled shrimp, or roasted corn.
 

2. Use Different Nuts or Seeds

Pine nuts are traditional, but walnuts add a nice earthy depth.
 
Pepitas give a subtle nutty flavor that works great with cilantro.
 
You can even use sunflower seeds for a budget-friendly option.
 

3. Go Dairy-Free

Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast instead.
 
You’ll still get that savory, cheesy note without any dairy.
 
This makes your cilantro pesto friendly for vegan diets.
 

4. Brighten It with Citrus

Lime juice is the classic pairing, but lemon or orange juice works too.
 
A little zest added at the end gives an extra pop of flavor.
 
Citrus helps the cilantro pesto stay bright green a bit longer, too.
 

So, Can You Make Pesto with Cilantro?

Yes, you can make pesto with cilantro, and it’s one of the easiest and tastiest swaps you can try in the kitchen.
 
Cilantro works beautifully in pesto because pesto is a flexible formula, and cilantro’s fresh, bold flavor fits right in.
 
Just blend cilantro with nuts, garlic, cheese, and olive oil, then adjust to taste.
 
From there, you can spice it up, go dairy-free, or play with different nuts and citrus.
 
So next time you have a bunch of cilantro on hand, don’t let it wilt—make pesto with cilantro instead.