Cilantro Southwest Pesto Recipes

FABULOUS CILANTRO PESTO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and return water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain well.
• In an electric food processor or blender, blend cilantro, garlic, vinegar, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, nuts, and salt. Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil, and blend the pesto. Add more olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
• Pour pesto in a small saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring constantly, until pesto begins to simmer. Pour over cooked pasta and toss.

CILANTRO PESTO

Steps:

• Combine the cilantro, garlic and almonds in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Add the parmesan, oil and salt and puree to a smooth paste. Stir into hot pasta and serve.

GRILLED CAULIFLOWER WITH CILANTRO PESTO

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high.
• Add the cauliflower, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to a large mixing bowl. Toss to coat the cauliflower. Transfer to a grill basket and grill, tossing occasionally, until the cauliflower is charred in places and softened, about 10 minutes. (This can alternatively be done on an indoor grill pan.)
• Transfer the grilled cauliflower to the serving bowl with the Cilantro Pesto and toss to coat.
• Garnish with Cotija cheese and cilantro. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
• Add the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, pepper flakes and garlic to a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse together until the garlic is finely chopped. Next, add the cilantro and blend until smooth. Add the cashews and Cotija cheese and pulse until the mixture becomes a thick paste and is evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and set aside until the cauliflower is grilled.

CILANTRO PESTO PIZZA

Steps:

• Spray counter lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
• Combine rolls together and roll into a 13-inch circle.
• Place on a sprayed 12-inch pizza pan.
• Poke several times with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming.
• Bake at 350°F 10 minutes. Remove from oven to cool.
• Combine cilantro pesto ingredients in a small food processor bowl and process until almost smooth.
• Spread evenly over cooled crust.
• In a bowl, combine chicken and taco seasoning and mix well.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add chicken and cook until cooked through.
• Place chicken evenly over pesto.
• Top with cheese, tomatoes and green onion.
• Bake at 350°F 10-15 minutes.

SOUTHWESTERN PESTO SAUCE

Steps:

• Place cheese, garlic, and jalapeño pepper in a blender container or a food processor bowl.
• Cover, blend or process until finely grated.
• Add chili peppers, nuts, parsley and cilantro.
• With machine running slowly, gradually add oil.
• Blend until nearly smooth.
• Set aside 1 cup for pork roast.
• Freeze remaining pesto for up to a month.
• Note: Always keep in mind that the chili's contain oils, and that they can burn your skin, and your eyes; wear gloves or wash your hands often.