- 1 cup raw unsalted pistachios
- 2 cups (packed) fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tblsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
I’m at it again with my Blendtec! I’ve made pesto before but never like this. A traditional pesto is more Italian than anything but today I’ve got a spin on this tasty basil condiment. Today I’m bringing you more of a Latin flair combining the flavors of cilantro and pistachio. This is just another thing that you can whip up in your brand new Blendtec blender if you enter to win!
Preheat oven to 400° and toast the pistachios until they are golden, around 7 minutes. Pour the pistachios into the cup of the blender. Add in the cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, cardamom and salt and pulse until a coarse paste forms. Slowly add in the olive oil and continue to pulse 3-4 times. Season with salt and pepper.
This pesto is great on shrimp, chicken and fish. What’s your favorite type of pesto?
I love traditional pesto… But I’ve also been liking Chimichurri lately. It’s pesto-like in consistency and preparation and adds a yummy freshness as a topping for fish.
Wow this looks really good. I would not have thought of this.
Mmmmmm.. Blendtec.
I have been on a pesto kick lately. Just made a vegetarian pizza made with kale pesto and beets! I never would have thought to use pistachios for a pesto. Brilliant! Can’t wait to try this
Pesto is definitely versatile!
I have been on a pesto kick lately. Been putting it on everything. The other day I made a pizza that is made with homemade kale pesto and beets. It was delicious! I never would have thought to use pistachios. Brilliant! Can’t wait to try it
I love pesto!! Actually love it on paninis! This sounds like a great one to try.
I love pesto–especially in pasta and on pizza! I will have to try this recipe–it sounds very yummy.
I really like pesto and I like pistachios.
wow what a great idea for a combination. cilantro + pistachio + cardamom + garlic = yummmm!
I just recently introduced my family to pesto. Can’t wait to try this out.
Would love to try this.
Wow I am very impressed with how this blendec works!!!!
Pesto — love garlic and basil!
Sounds delicious!
If you used salted pistachios, by how much would you reduce the added salt?
Oh man. I love pesto. pesto in pasta or sandwiches. Its all good.
Traditional pesto is one of my top ten favorite things to eat. I love basil! Your version looks delicious- the pistachios are a creative addition!
Pesto is so versatile and you can’t beat freshly made pesto!! Looks delish!
Hoping once I win the blender I can make this all the time :p
I’ve made cilantro pesto before, but never with pistachios. I’m looking forward to trying this out. I’m curious about the use of cardamom too. It has such a floral note to it which must go nicely with the lemon. Yum.