This vegan cilantro pesto with walnuts is not only delicious, but also gluten free.
Yesterday I found myself with some cilantro on-hand that pretty much needed to be used pronto. I didn't have anything in particular in mind for it, but wasn't about to let it get funky on me. I fuddled around on the web for a bit, and came across a recipe for Cilantro-Walnut Pesto on the Cooking Light website. I had plenty of shelled walnuts and most of the other ingredients necessary. It seemed worth a try, so the well worn mini-food processor was dragged out to do it's business (I am long overdue to replace that thing).
I stuck to the original for the most part, but was short a little cilantro, so I added a little basil and few more walnuts to keep the liquid to solid ratios about the same so consistency would be right. The results... a yummy vegan sauce that you would swear had some dairy in there somewhere, but nope, no moo juice at all. The great thing about using this in vegetarian meals is the protein from the walnuts. Even if you aren't averse to meats & dairy (I'm not.) this packs some nice healthy oils, and cilantro is loaded with vitamin A, so dollop some Cilantro-Walnut Pesto on!
Great to add to simmered or sauteed dishes, smeared on sandwiches, as a dip or topping for grilled meats, veggies or seafood.
Here is the recipe, as I made it.
Cilantro-Walnut Pesto: A Healthy Condiment Recipe (gluten-free, vegan)
Print Pin RateIngredients
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 cups of cilantro leaves with smaller stems I just pick out the bigger stems after a couple pulses of the food processor
- 2 tbs fresh basil leaves
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup organic vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add ingredients to food processor (preferably a smaller one).
- Pulse until smooth and emulsified.
- Use right away or store covered in refrigerator.
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
I love just about anything made with cilantro, I love the taste. Would you use this as a dipping sauce for crackers?
Robin Gagnon says
I dipped pumpernickel croutons in it, which are sort of in the cracker family, as well as, some half stale corn tortilla chips my daughter left out (yeah, I'm not so proud of that one) and liked them both with it.
Donna says
I love pesto. And love that this is gluten-free and vegan, so I can make it for parties and everyone can eat it. 🙂
Marcie W. says
Pinned and super excited to make this! I really should start a board just for YOUR recipes.
Penelope (NYC Blogger) says
Wow, that sounds so good, I'd put it on everything!
Jennifer The Quirky Momma says
This would be amazing on chicken! I thin I'm going to try it on the grill tonight.
Monica McGuiness says
This sauce will make anything it touches taste amazing. Great idea.
Tammy says
mmm....that sure would gourmet up a hot dog!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
This looks amazing. We are obsessed with Pesto anything!
Angela says
I have so much cilantro growing on the patio right now. I'll have to try this. It looks delicious!
Liz says
Mmm, I want to try that in a sandwich so bad!
Mellisa says
YUM. I could think of a ton of food I would like to put this on.
Lisa says
I'll have to try this!
Lolo says
I love the taste of cilantro. I need to give this a try!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com says
I love cilantro, but I'm the only one in the house that does. Looks super savory.
Jennifer says
I absolutely love cilantro. Pesto is so yummy
Shell Feis says
I love cilantro, walnuts & regular pesto so I'm sure this is super yummy!!
Leilani says
I just LOVE, love, love cilantro. I definitely need to give this a try!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
I love cilantro -- this would be god with some grilled steaks!
Sheri says
What a great idea. It looks delicious.
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV says
I bet this would be great on chicken or steak!