Mmmm…pesto. I know I just can’t get enough of it. The rich nutty taste is perfect on sandwiches, in dips, on pastas and in salads.

Pesto is traditionally made with basil, parmesan and nuts, but you can add a variety of ingredients. Here is a cilantro basil pesto recipe you are sure to love.

Cilantro Basil Pesto Recipe

Ingredients

·           2 cups fresh cilantro (leaves and stems)

·           2 cups fresh basil leaves

·           ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

·           ¼ cup crumbled Cotija cheese 

·           ¼ cup almonds

·           1 clove garlic

·           1 tsp. kosher salt

Directions

1.         Combine cilantro, basil and oil in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until well mixed. Add Cotija, almonds, garlic, and salt and blend until combined.

2.         Serve immediately or store in an airtight container up to one week.

Nutrition

We love this cilantro basil pesto recipe because it has such healthy ingredients. Check out the nutrition you will be getting when you add this sauce to your dishes.

·           Cilantro: Cilantro is rich in antioxidants that reduce the risk of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.

·           Basil: Basil is a great source of iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, and omega 3 fatty acids. It can also be used topically as an essential oil to treat cuts, wounds and skin infections.

·           Virgin Olive Oil: Virgin olive oil is packed with antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids. It also contains vitamin E and vitamin K.

·           Cotija Cheese: Although Cotija cheese is high in sodium, it has a fair amount of protein and calcium.

·           Almonds: Almonds lower bad cholesterol making them a heart healthy snack. They are also rich in potassium, oxygen, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E.

·           Garlic: Garlic reduces cholesterol and blood pressure. Its antioxidant properties reduce cell damage and counter the effects of aging.

Tips for Incorporating Pesto Into Your Meals

There are so many ways you can use pesto to enhance your meals. Here are a few suggestions.

·           As a Dip for Appetizers: Pesto makes a great dip for chips and veggies. You can also use it as a sauce for shrimp cocktail or as a topping for baked brie.

·           As a Salad Dressing or Mix In: You can put pesto directly on a salad, but mixing it with mayonnaise and olive oil will give it extra creaminess. It’s terrific mixed into tuna salad or as a topping for rice, risotto or mashed potatoes.

·           As a Sandwich Spread: Before closing up that sandwich, try spreading some rich pesto on one of the pieces of bread. It tastes great on a tomato mozzarella Panini or a turkey sandwich.

·           Pizza Topping: Want to give your pizza a unique twist? Try substituting the red sauce with a creamy pesto. Then add sundried tomatoes, chicken, shrimp or any toppings you prefer.

Pesto is a delicious addition to any meal, and with this cilantro basil pesto recipe, it can be quite healthy too. What’s your favorite pesto recipe?

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Photo by Tomasz Olszewski on Unsplash