Fresh Coriander and Almond Dip Recipe
Craving a Kick with Cilantro-Almond Pesto?
Liven up your pizza parties, pasta nights, and veggie steam sessions with this zesty pesto! Swirl it on baked tofu, fish tacos, or scrambled eggs, or level up a humdrum salami and cheddar sandwich.
- Yield: generously 1 1/2 cups
- Difficulty: A cinch (Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!)
- Time Commitment: Just 5 minutes
Ingredients (7)
- 3 1/2 ounces fresh cilantro, including those feathery stems
- The juice of 5 lemons and 1 lime, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup premium olive oil
- 1/2 cup toasted, unsalted almonds
- 4 stinky, peeled garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Let's Get Pestoning!
- Chuck everything into the bowl of your trusty food processor and give it a whirl on high for 30 seconds.
- Scrape down those pesky pesto remnants on the bowl walls, then fire it up again for another 30 seconds of blending.
- Transfer your vibrant goodness to a serving bowl, or stash it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Pesto's Party Tricks
This pesto isn't just a one-trick pony! Get ready to party with these outrageous variations:
- Grill Master's Delight: Use cilantro-almond pesto as a marinade or dip for mouthwatering grilled meats like chicken, beef, or lamb skewers.
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a fusion of cilantro-almond pesto, rice, and ground turkey or beef for a scrumptious treat.
- Summer's Green Goddess: Blend the pesto with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy, dreamy salad dressing that'll have you salivating.
- Corn's Best Friend: Slather cilantro-almond pesto on grilled corn for a lip-smacking companion to your barbecue.
- Bold Broths: Add a dash of pesto to soups like minestrone or smooth broths for a big, exciting flavor boost.
- Fritters and Croquettes: Enhance your fritter or croquette batter with a spoonful of your new best friend for an unforgettable flavor explosion.
- Veggie Marinade: Use the pesto as a marinade for oven-roasted or grilled veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms.
- Gnocchi and Polenta Twist: Serve cilantro-almond pesto over gnocchi or polenta for a flavorful twist on these classics.
- Guac and Avocado: Add a dollop of pesto atop your guacamole or sliced avocado for a mouthwatering topping on tacos or toast.
- Flatbread and Crudité Dipper: Get dipping with this refreshing pesto as your choice companion for flatbreads or crudité!
Embrace the versatility of cilantro-almond pesto, and let your taste buds unravel amazing culinary creations!
- Use the cilantro-almond pesto as a nutrition-packed ingredient in your recipes, such as adding it to salads for a creamy, tangy dressing, or mixing it with cooked quinoa for a flavorful and protein-rich side dish.
- For a quick and easy meal, try using the pesto in place of marinara sauce on your pasta, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an added twist.
- Delve into the world of pesto-inspired dips by combining the pesto with Greek yogurt or cream cheese, and serve with crackers or vegetables for a delicious and health-conscious snack that yields 8 tablespoons of dip.