Easy Recipe: Cilantro & Macadamia Nut Pesto

July 9, 2010

Posted in Easy Recipes, Gluten and Gluten Free, paleo | 1 Comment

Fresh herbs are a fantastic way to add tons of flavor to a meal while adding health benefits as well.

The flavors and spices I cook with can certainly become a bit ho-hum and boring. I grab the same 4 or 5 bottles of spices pretty much all the time. Currently I blame my lack of cable tv and inspiration from the Food Network that I used to love so much. Sigh. But this week I was lucky enough to have a big bunch of cilantro sitting in my fridge, waiting for me to use it up from my CSA that came last week.

Some of the health benefits of cilantro include:

Powerful anti-inflammatory capacities that may help symptoms of arthritis

Protective agents against bacterial infection from Salmonella in food products
Acts to increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad kind)
Relief for stomach gas, prevention of flatulence and an overall digestive aid
Wards off urinary tract infections
Helps reduce feelings of nausea
Eases hormonal mood swings associated with menstruation
Has been shown to reduce menstrual cramping.
Adds fiber to the digestive tract
A source of iron, magnesium, and is helpful in fighting anemia
Gives relief for diarrhea, especially if caused by microbial or fungal infections
Helps promote healthy liver function.
Reduces minor swelling
Strong general anti-oxidant properties
Disinfects and helps detoxify the body

(source: http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/cilantro.html)

Cilantro & Macadamia Nut Pesto:

This recipe is my solution for 1) a bunch of cilantro that was starting to wilt in my fridge 2) a way to make a new sauce for my meats and to eat lots of a healthy herb at once… enjoy!

1 large bunch of cilantro
1 cup of raw macadamia nuts
1 clove of garlic
1/2c extra virgin olive oil
celtic sea salt to taste
pepper to taste

Here’s what I did:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until they become a pasty texture. You can add more or less olive oil if you want the pesto to be a bit more firm or softer.

Variations and other ideas:

use basil instead of cilantro
use walnuts instead of macadamia nuts

What other great pesto recipes do you have? Share them in the comments below!

To find out more about group nutrition classes or nutrition coaching services in-person (in the San Francisco Bay Area) or remotely (via phone, email or Skype), contact me today.

Enjoy & be well!

Diane Sanfilippo

Holistic Nutritionist located in San Francisco, CA

Certified Holistic Nutrition Educator, C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach

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About the author

Diane Sanfilippo BS, Certified Nutrition Consultant, C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach is a New Jersey-based Holistic & Paleo Nutritionist serving clients locally and beyond (US & international) via phone, Skype consultations and nutrition seminars nationwide. Author of “Practical Paleo: A Customized Approach to Health and a Whole-Foods Lifestyle.” Creator of The 21-Day Sugar Detox, a program designed to help you bust sugar and carb cravings in 21 days with the help and support of a community who is all in it together! Co-host of The Balanced Bites Podcast, a weekly radio show about all things health and nutrition.

One Comment

Donna says:
February 6, 2012 at 9:16 am

Dear Diane,

This looks superlative with your lamb/rosemary offering!..Question, as I’m allergic (unfortunately) to macadamia nuts…could I use pine, cashew or hazelnuts as a replacement?…or would they “clash” with the lamb?..Thank you for your work and your highly informative blog..I follow it with great regularity!

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