Best Vegan Cilantro Pesto Recipes for Fresh Flavor Ideas

If you’re a fan of bold, fresh flavors and plant-based cooking, then vegan cilantro pesto is about to become your new kitchen staple. Unlike traditional pesto that relies on basil and parmesan, this vibrant version swaps in fragrant cilantro and nutritional yeast, making it completely vegan without sacrificing that rich, cheesy depth.

Whether you’re looking to jazz up your pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or use it as a dipping sauce, cilantro pesto adds a zesty, herbaceous punch that’s simply unforgettable.

In this post, we’ll dive into the best vegan cilantro pesto recipes that are easy to whip up, packed with nourishing ingredients, and versatile enough to suit any meal. From a classic cilantro-lime twist to a spicier chipotle version, these recipes will transform your dishes and impress everyone at the table.

Ready to blend your way to a bright and flavorful vegan delight? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegan cilantro pesto is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly fresh and packed with vibrant flavors thanks to the cilantro and lime combination.

Unlike traditional pesto, these recipes are dairy-free, making them perfect for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.

Second, it’s super quick to prepare — just toss all the ingredients in a food processor or blender, and you have a delicious sauce in minutes. It’s also highly customizable, so whether you prefer it creamy, spicy, or nutty, you can tweak it to your liking.

Finally, cilantro pesto is versatile. Use it on pasta, as a salad dressing, a marinade, or a sandwich spread.

It’s a healthy, nutrient-rich way to elevate your meals with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves, tightly packed
• 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 30 minutes for creaminess)
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 small jalapeño, seeded for mild heat

Equipment

• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer or reamer
• Spatula for scraping down the sides
• Glass jar or airtight container for storage

Instructions

1. Prepare the cashews: Soak raw cashews in warm water for at least 30 minutes to soften. This step is key for creating a creamy texture.
2. Rinse and dry cilantro: Wash cilantro thoroughly and pat dry to avoid excess water in the pesto.
3. Add ingredients to the food processor: Combine the soaked cashews, cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. If using jalapeño, add it here for a spicy kick.
4. Pulse to combine: Pulse the mixture a few times to break down the ingredients.
5. Slowly drizzle olive oil: With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil to emulsify the pesto. Continue processing until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
6. Taste and adjust: Check seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
7. Store properly: Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

“For a nut-free version, substitute the cashews with sunflower seeds or hemp seeds — it’s just as creamy and delicious!”

Here are a few ways to customize your vegan cilantro pesto:

• Spicy Cilantro Pesto: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a pinch of cayenne powder for smoky heat.
• Cilantro-Mint Pesto: Swap half the cilantro for fresh mint for a refreshing twist perfect for summer dishes.
• Avocado Cilantro Pesto: Blend in half a ripe avocado for extra creaminess and a subtle buttery flavor.
• Sun-dried Tomato Cilantro Pesto: Add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, savory depth.
• Use Lime Zest: Grate some lime zest into the mix to enhance the citrus aroma.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan cilantro pesto is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Toss with your favorite pasta: Use it as a sauce for spaghetti, fusilli, or penne. For an extra touch, add cherry tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms.
• Spread on sandwiches or wraps: Replace mayo or mustard with cilantro pesto for a fresh, tangy flavor boost.
• Use as a salad dressing: Thin with a little water or more lime juice and drizzle over mixed greens or grain bowls.
• Dip for veggies and crackers: Serve as a flavorful dip for crudités or pita chips at your next gathering.
• Marinate tofu or tempeh: Coat your favorite plant proteins with cilantro pesto before grilling or baking for extra flavor.

For further inspiration, check out some of our other vegan-friendly recipes like our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes for hearty dishes, or try pairing your pesto with a fresh loaf from the Marzipan Challah Recipe.

If you love experimenting with dough, the Magic Dough Recipe is a great companion for homemade breads and pizzas topped with your cilantro pesto.

Best Vegan Cilantro Pesto Recipes

Classic Vegan Cilantro Pesto

This is the recipe we’ve just covered — a fresh, creamy blend of cilantro, cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, and lime juice. Perfect for all-around use.

Spicy Chipotle Cilantro Pesto

• Ingredients: 2 cups cilantro, 1/2 cup cashews, 2 cloves garlic, 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt to taste
• Instructions: Prepare as above, adding the chipotle pepper with the other ingredients. This smoky, spicy pesto pairs wonderfully with grilled veggies or vegan tacos.

Cilantro Avocado Pesto

• Ingredients: 2 cups cilantro, 1 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup pine nuts or cashews, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions: Blend all ingredients until creamy. This version is luscious and perfect for spreading on toast or swirling into soups.

Cilantro-Mint Pesto

• Ingredients: 1 cup cilantro, 1 cup fresh mint leaves, 1/2 cup walnuts, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt to taste
• Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. The mint adds a refreshing brightness, ideal for summer salads or grilled fruit.

Sun-Dried Tomato Cilantro Pesto

• Ingredients: 2 cups cilantro, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), 1/2 cup almonds, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/2 cup olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions: Blend all ingredients until well combined. This pesto has a deep, savory flavor that complements roasted vegetables and grain bowls.

Conclusion

Vegan cilantro pesto is an incredibly flavorful and adaptable sauce that deserves a place in every plant-based kitchen. Its bright, zesty notes and creamy texture make it a perfect addition to countless meals, from simple pastas to elaborate grain bowls.

By swapping traditional basil for cilantro and parmesan for nutritional yeast and nuts, you get a fresh twist that’s both delicious and allergy-friendly.

Whether you stick with the classic or explore the exciting variations like spicy chipotle or avocado-infused pesto, you’ll find these recipes easy to prepare and a joy to eat. Don’t forget to experiment and make it your own.

And while you’re here, explore more tasty vegan recipes on our site to keep your menu exciting and wholesome!

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