If I could add cilantro to every meal I probably would – except for maybe cereal, maybe. 
I just love it. So when my friend introduced me the greatness that is pesto, I decided to try making it myself with my secret ingredient – cilantro, which resulted in this super easy, yummy, light and airy cilantro basil pesto pasta.
I don’t know about you but I can enjoy a nice plate of pasta any time of the year, especially when I’m looking for something different, lighter, to keep me comfy and satisfied. And since I still have basil growing in my backyard (I used to have a cilantro as well, but I never fully allowed it to bloom because I was always cutting sprigs for my meals.), I thought why not enjoy a nice plate of cilantro basil pesto pasta and share my recipe. Here’s what you’ll need.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 – 2 cups of fresh cilantro
1 cup of fresh basil
3 large garlic cloves
1/3 of a cup of pine nuts
1/4 cup of good quality olive oil
juice of 1 lime
pinch of salt – to taste
Directions:
In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, basil, garlic, pine nuts, lime juice and salt.
Pulse on low and with the food processor or blender running, drizzle in the olive oil and blend until everything is to the consistency you like.
I like it to be a little bit more coarse, but you can blend longer and/or add in more olive oil as needed. Easy, breezy I tell you.
Here’s a quick video to show just how easy breezy it really is.
Then you can choose to store the goodness for use at a later date or cook your favorite pasta and coat it with this delish pesto.
If you want something heartier, feel free to add in the veggies and meats that move you. I know I love adding in chicken or bacon, mushrooms and spinach. Yum, yum, no matter which way you serve it.
I tell you, once you try this pesto, you won’t be sorry because it can make anything taste flavorful and bright in no time.
What’s you’re favorite way to enjoy pesto?
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I’ve been meaning to make some pesto! This looks wonderful!
Hope you get a chance to make it Heidi, you won’t regret it 😉
I love pesto and pine nuts. I just wish pine nuts were not so pricey.
I know what you mean Tara, but most nuts are. Walnuts work well in a pinch though.
wow! i’ll have that for dinner please. it looks delicious
OMG it is Michelle 😀
I love pesto too! I enjoy it on sandwiches instead of a dressing. I also like to put it on salmon. Yum! And of course on crackers.
Right, pesto goes well with everything. Gotta try it in a sandwich though 😀
I love the look of this pasta, it is nutritional and delicious. A perfect quick and easy meal!
It really is Ana, thanks!
That sounds so good. I can’t wait to try this.
Hope you like it as much as I do Robin 😀
You don’t even know how much I love basil pesto. I could eat this pasta dish for days and be happy!
lol I have and it’s made me smile every time Liz. Hope you enjoy 😀
This looks so yummy! My fiance loves making sauces but we definitely need to invest in a food processor because the blender just doesn’t cut it haha
lol I totally hear ya on that Shaylee. Hope the holidays bring you a processor.
Yum!!
Yum indeed. Thanks Jasmine
This sounds really delicious my kids love pesto
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I don’t blame them, it’s so good 😉
Is there a substitute for the cilantro? I absolutely hate it but would love to try this idea. Thanks!
Awe, sorry to hear that Claudette. I just had dinner last night with a cilantro hater too. I’d say use parsley, but not nearly as much – maybe 1/2 a cup and up the basil to 1 1/2 cups. Hope that works 😉
yummy recipe – I am all about pasta and chicken thank you
Right Eileen, couldn’t be simpler 😀 Enjoy!
This looks delicious! I am going to have to give this a try 🙂
Hope you like it Rachel 😀
Cilantro Basil Pesto Pasta is so delicious, I like your recipe
Thanks Dana, it is pretty delish 😀
Cilantro and basil sound great together. I can’t wait to try this.
Hope you enjoy!
While I would absolutely love this pesto it includes two of my husbands least favourite ingredients, cilantro and basil. I’m tucking this recipe away for when he is working night-shifts and plan to treat myself.
Lol Teresa, hope you enjoy!
That looks so good! I like switching up our sauces on noodles, now to get the kids to try it.
Ha, I never tell my nieces and nephews what they’re eating and if I know they don’t like a particular ingredient, I just chop it really small 😉 Hope you enjoy!