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.

Print Recipe

4 from 15 votes

Vegan Cilantro Mint Pesto

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!

Yield: about 1 cup / 250 g

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Sauces & Condiments

Cuisine: Pan-Asian Inspired

Servings: 0

Author: Plant-Based Matters

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

US Customary - Metric

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

Suggestions of Use

• Sauce

Rice noodles

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, carrot)

Tips

• Use immediately for the freshest taste and the aroma.
• Add a garlic clove as an option if you enjoy garlicky taste

Options

• 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

How to Store

• 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.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @plantbased_matters or tag #plantbased_matters!