Skip to main content

Culantro Pesto

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant culantro pesto is a sophisticated take on the classic Italian sauce, offering a deeper, more peppery citrus flavour than traditional basil varieties. Culantro, often found in Caribbean and Asian cooking, provides a robust herbal base that pairs beautifully with the richness of toasted pine nuts and sharp Italian hard cheese. It is an excellent way to use this aromatic herb, resulting in a versatile condiment that adds a punch of fresh flavour to any savoury dish.

As a simple vegetarian staple, this homemade pesto is incredibly easy to prepare in just a few minutes using a food processor. It works wonderfully stirred through hot linguine, drizzled over roasted root vegetables, or even used as a bold marinade for grilled halloumi. Because it stores so well in the freezer, it is a brilliant make-ahead option for busy weeknight meals.

In this article:

Video picks

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Culantro Pesto

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 cup packed fresh culantro leaves

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan and/or Pecorino Romano cheese

How to make Culantro Pesto

Back to contents

Combine the garlic, salt, pepper to taste, and pine nuts in a food processor. Add the oil and culantro and process until smooth. Add the cheese and pulse to incorporate. Store in an airtight container until ready to use, up to 1 week in the refrigerator or 4 months in the freezer.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.