Last Updated on March 1, 2024
Vegan Cilantro Mint Pesto is a Southeast Asian inspired green sauce that’s vibrant and refreshing. It’s easy to make and you can use it in many different ways!
What’s Vegan Cilantro Mint Pesto
Vegan Cilantro Mint Pesto is my interpretation of pesto style sauce inspired by Southeast Asian cuisines.
It’s far different from Italian pesto which has basil and pine nuts but the unique flavor of cilantro mint pesto is definitely a one of a kind that you would want to try!
When it comes to the cuisines in the region of Southeast Asia, the first thing I would think of is a use of fresh herbs such as cilantro and mint. The iconic taste of cilantro and refreshing aroma of mint work very well.
Unlike the traditional Italian pesto, vegan cilantro mint pesto has peanuts to go with the Southeast Asian flavor. Roasted peanuts give a nutty and slightly sweet taste. It’s a great complement to the fresh cilantro and mint.
Those three ingredients, cilantro, mint, and peanuts, are your alley of taste profile, this unique pesto will be a big hit!
Ingredients
- Roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro
- Fresh mint leaves
- Jalapeno
- Shallot
- Ginger
- Lime zest
- Lime juice
- Sea salt
- Neutral oil
I don’t use garlic because I personally find raw garlic to be too strong for my taste preference.
Instead, I use shallot which has a similar taste profile as garlic but not too strong. I also like a touch of onion-like flavor that shallot gives.
What to Make With Vegan Cilantro Mint Pesto
Here are some suggestions on what you can do with vegan cilantro mint pesto as:
Sauce
- Rice noodles (my favorite one is from Perfect Earth Foods)
- Pasta
- Boiled potatoes
Dressing
- Pasta salad
- Grain salad
- Quinoa salad
- Tomato salad
- Cucumber salad
- Tofu salad
Spread
- Sandwich bread
- Avocado toast
- Pita bread
Dip
- Toasted sourdough bread
- Toasted baguette
- Raw veggies (cauliflower, broccoli)
How to Make Vegan Cilantro Mint Pesto
Ingredients Prep
Steps
1. Place peanuts (roasted or unroasted) in a frying pan.
Dry roast over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until aromatic and lightly browned. Set it aside.
2. In a food processor, combine cilantro and mint.
Pulse until finely chopped. Scrape the side with a spatula if necessary.
3. Next, add the roasted peanuts, jalapeno, shallots, ginger, lime zest, lime juice, and sea salt.
Pulse again until finely chopped. Scrape the side if necessary.
4. With the processor running, slowly pour neutral oil. Process until smooth.
5. Use immediately for the freshest taste and the aroma.
Vegan Cilantro Mint Pesto
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted peanuts roasted or unroasted
- 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
- packed 1 cup mint leaves
- 1 jalapeno seeds partially removed
- 3 tbsp roughly chopped shallots
- 2 tbsp roughly chopped ginger
- 1/2 tbsp lime zest 1/2 tbsp= about zest from 1 lime
- 1 tbsp lime juice 1 tbsp= about juice from halved lime
- 3/4 tsp sea salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup neutral oil I use sunflower oil
Instructions
- Place peanuts (roasted or unroasted) in a frying pan. Dry roast over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until aromatic and lightly browned. Set it aside.
- In a food processor, combine cilantro and mint. Pulse until finely chopped. Scrape the side with a spatula if necessary.
- Next, add the roasted peanuts, jalapeno, shallots, ginger, lime zest, lime juice, and sea salt. Pulse again until finely chopped. Scrape the side if necessary.
- With the processor running, slowly pour neutral oil. Process until smooth.
- Use immediately for the freshest taste and the aroma or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Sauce
- Dressing
- Spread
- Dip
- Use immediately for the freshest taste and the aroma.
- Add a garlic clove as an option if you enjoy garlicky taste
- Add a garlic clove if you enjoy garlicky taste
- Use other type of neutral oil such as sesame oil (untoasted) and safflower oil as a substitute
- If you don’t use it right away, store in an airtight container with a thin layer of extra neutral oil poured to cover the surface and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days or freeze.
![CREAMY CHERRY TOMATO SAUCE PASTA (VEGAN)
[濃厚ミニトマトクリームソースパスタ（ヴィーガン）]
By @plantbased_matters
Recipe link in bio or at plantbasedmatters.net
Creamy Cherry Tomato Sauce Pasta (vegan) would be a perfect comfort food to make when sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes are in season. Cherry Tomato season is right around the corner, so definitely save this recipe and enjoy this satisfying dish!
This vegan creamy tomato sauce has no dairy or cream at all (not even plant-based milk or nut milk), but it's very rich and creamy and insanely tastey!
#pasta #pastapasta #veganpasta #tomatosauce #cheese ##vegancheese #pastalovers #parmigiana #parmesan #healthiswealth](https://plantbasedmatters.net/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)