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Making cilantro ranch pesto is easy when you blend fresh cilantro, garlic, nuts, Parmesan, and ranch seasoning together.
This cilantro ranch pesto recipe comes together in about five minutes with a food processor or blender.
The result is a creamy, herby, tangy sauce that tastes like ranch and pesto had a delicious baby.
If you have ever wondered how to make cilantro ranch pesto, you are in the right place.
In this post, we will walk through what cilantro ranch pesto is, the ingredients you need, and how to make cilantro ranch pesto step by step.
You will also learn how to use cilantro ranch pesto and how to store it so it stays fresh.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Cilantro Ranch Pesto?
Cilantro ranch pesto is a hybrid sauce that combines the bright, citrusy flavor of cilantro pesto with the creamy, tangy taste of ranch dressing.
Traditional pesto uses basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan.
Cilantro ranch pesto swaps basil for cilantro and adds ranch seasoning or a ranch-style base to create something totally new.
It is fresh, zesty, and slightly creamy, which makes it different from a classic basil pesto.
The beauty of cilantro ranch pesto is its versatility.
You can drizzle it, spread it, dip with it, or toss it with pasta, and it works every single time.
If you love cilantro and you love ranch, learning how to make cilantro ranch pesto is going to change your kitchen game.
Ingredients for Cilantro Ranch Pesto
To make cilantro ranch pesto, you need a short list of simple ingredients.
Here is what goes into a classic cilantro ranch pesto:
1. Fresh Cilantro
Fresh cilantro is the star of cilantro ranch pesto.
Use about two packed cups of cilantro leaves and tender stems.
Rinse it well and pat it dry so your cilantro ranch pesto does not turn out watery.
If you are one of those people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap, you can swap in half parsley and half cilantro to soften the flavor.
2. Garlic
Garlic gives cilantro ranch pesto its punch.
Two cloves are usually enough, but you can add more if you love a strong garlicky kick.
3. Nuts or Seeds
Traditional pesto uses pine nuts, but they are pricey.
For cilantro ranch pesto, you can use almonds, walnuts, pepitas, or sunflower seeds.
Toasted nuts add a deeper flavor to cilantro ranch pesto, so toast them for a few minutes if you have time.
4. Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan adds salty, savory depth to cilantro ranch pesto.
Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can because it melts into the sauce better than the pre-shredded kind.
5. Ranch Seasoning or Ranch Base
This is what makes cilantro ranch pesto different from regular cilantro pesto.
You can use a spoonful of ranch seasoning mix, or blend in some buttermilk, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for that creamy ranch taste.
6. Olive Oil and Lime Juice
Olive oil brings cilantro ranch pesto together and gives it a smooth texture.
A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens everything up and keeps the cilantro green.
7. Salt and Pepper
Add salt and pepper to taste at the end.
Remember that Parmesan and ranch seasoning are already salty, so taste before you add more.
How to Make Cilantro Ranch Pesto Step by Step
Now let’s get into how to make cilantro ranch pesto.
The whole process takes about five minutes.
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing and drying your cilantro thoroughly.
Peel your garlic, grate your Parmesan, and measure out your nuts, oil, and ranch seasoning.
Having everything ready makes making cilantro ranch pesto quick and stress-free.
2. Pulse the Dry Ingredients
Add the cilantro, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan to your food processor.
Pulse a few times until everything is chopped and combined.
Do not run it continuously yet, or you will end up with a paste instead of a pesto.
3. Stream in the Olive Oil
With the processor running on low, slowly pour in your olive oil.
Keep streaming until your cilantro ranch pesto reaches a smooth, spoonable consistency.
If you want a thinner cilantro ranch pesto, add a little more oil or a splash of water.
4. Add the Ranch Element
Now stir in your ranch seasoning, or blend in your buttermilk, sour cream, or Greek yogurt.
This is the step that turns regular cilantro pesto into cilantro ranch pesto.
5. Finish with Lime, Salt, and Pepper
Squeeze in fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
Give your cilantro ranch pesto one final pulse, then taste it.
Adjust the lime, salt, or garlic until it tastes just right to you.
6. Serve or Store
Your cilantro ranch pesto is ready to use right away.
If you are not using it immediately, transfer it to a jar and drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it green.
Ways to Use Cilantro Ranch Pesto
One of the best things about cilantro ranch pesto is how many ways you can use it.
Try tossing cilantro ranch pesto with warm pasta for a quick weeknight dinner.
Spread cilantro ranch pesto on sandwiches, wraps, or burgers instead of mayo.
Use cilantro ranch pesto as a dip for veggies, chips, or fries.
Drizzle cilantro ranch pesto over grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or fish.
Spoon cilantro ranch pesto over tacos, burrito bowls, or scrambled eggs.
You can even thin cilantro ranch pesto with a little extra lime juice and oil to make a salad dressing.
The options are endless, which is why so many people love knowing how to make cilantro ranch pesto at home.
How to Store Cilantro Ranch Pesto
Cilantro ranch pesto stays fresh in the fridge for about four to five days in an airtight jar.
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the lid to slow down browning.
You can also freeze cilantro ranch pesto in ice cube trays for up to three months.
Once frozen, pop the cubes into a freezer bag and grab one whenever you need a flavor boost.
Just thaw a cube in the fridge overnight or drop it straight into a hot pan.
So, How Do You Make Cilantro Ranch Pesto?
You make cilantro ranch pesto by blending fresh cilantro, garlic, nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, lime juice, and a ranch element like ranch seasoning or Greek yogurt.
It takes just five minutes, and the result is a bright, creamy, tangy sauce that works on almost anything.
Now that you know how to make cilantro ranch pesto, grab your cilantro and give this recipe a try.
Once you start making cilantro ranch pesto at home, you may never buy store-bought pesto again.