This grilled Pesto Steak recipe puts a twist on traditional pesto by adding cilantro with the basil, and swapping out pine nuts for almonds.
I love pesto as a complement to pasta. The mix of basil and pine nuts is classic. But it's fun to shake things up once in a while. So that's why I decided to play around some new pesto flavors for this pesto steak dish. I think you'll love the results!
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🌟 What makes this pesto steak so delicious
- Quick to make: This pesto steak recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for when you're pressed for time and need to whip up dinner fast.
- Fresh, nutty flavors: The addition of almond for pine nuts gives this pesto a fresh nuttiness that's a twist on traditional pesto.
- Great for barbecues: Throw these steaks on the grill for your next barbecue with friends. They'll be asking you for the recipe!
🛒 Ingredient notes
Almonds - The almonds add a depth and nutty flavor that is richer than traditional pine nuts.
Cilantro - Adding cilantro along with basil gives this pesto a bit of extra zing and a more herbal flavor.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
For the pesto
1. Toss the olive oil, basil, cilantro, garlic, almonds, and salt & pepper into a blender.
2. Pulse until almonds have been sufficiently crushed, then blend/puree for about 2 minutes, until you have a nice thick but somewhat smooth sauce/dip consistency.
For the steak
3. Lightly season steak with salt & pepper.
4. Coat the steak by placing it in a large ziplock bag with about ½ of the prepared pesto.
5. Grill the steaks for about 4-5 minutes. Let rest for 10-15 minutes, then serve!
❓Recipe FAQs
Pesto is so versatile. If you have leftover pesto, you can use it as a:
- steak, pork, or chicken marinade
- pasta sauce
- dip for veggies
- condiment for almost any sandwich
- salad dressing
or mix it into frittatas and omelets.
Pesto will keep for 1-2 weeks in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.
🍽 What to serve with pesto steak
A great steak deserved a delicious starch to go along with it. Try serving this pesto steak with Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Rosemary Roasted Glazed Carrots, or Corn with Basil Lime Butter.
Other great grilled dishes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Grilled Pesto Steak
Ingredients
- 1 pound of thinly sliced sirloin steak
- 1 cup fresh basil
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup Blue Diamond lightly salted almonds
- 2 garlic cloves roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon lime juice
- cracked pepper
Instructions
- Lightly season steak with salt & pepper, and set aside.
- Toss all of the remaining ingredients into a blender.
- Pulse until almonds have been sufficiently crushed, then blend/puree for about 2 minutes, until you have a nice thick but somewhat smooth sauce/dip consistency.
- Coat the steak by placing it in a large ziplock bag with about ½ of the prepared pesto. Set the remaining half of the pesto aside in a jar or airtight container and save for other uses later in the week.
- Grill the steaks for about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove from grill and serve. You can also top with a spoonful of additional pesto if you'd like.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almonds. All photos, recipes, and opinions are, as always, my own.
Tracy says
I like the idea of using almonds! This meal looks healthy and delicious. Very nice.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Tracy!
Jenni says
I love making pesto with almonds! The flavor is much deeper and I can actually TASTE the nuts in the dish. This looks fabulous!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
YES, I love the added depth almonds bring to pesto! Thanks, Jenni!
Sabrina says
I've never had an almond pesto before but this sounds so delicious! Pesto is so adaptable and almonds would add such a wonderful flavor!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
You should try it and let me know what you think, Sabrina! I agree: pesto is so adaptable. Love it for so many dishes!
Healing Tomato says
This Cilantro Pesto is very clever. I have made a similar recipe in the past and realized that cilantro pesto goes great with any recipe. I bet it tastes great with your grilled steak.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Cilantro Pesto really does work with so many different dishes. Thanks for stopping by!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
We are such huge pesto fans! I've never mixed basil and cilantro before...I'll have to try it now! Thanks for the recipe!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I love having both basil and cilantro in my pesto. Hope you like it if you try it, Michelle! :)
Sarah @ The Chef Next Door says
This looks so delicious! I recently made a kale walnut pesto that's out of this world. Can't wait to try your basil cilantro almond pesto!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
ooh a kale walnut pesto sounds amazing as well, Sarah! Thanks for stopping by!
Ashley (QLCC) says
I love steak, but finding unique ways to prepare it is always difficult. This looks delicious!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks, Ashley! Steak can be so versatile!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
This is my idea of the perfect summer meal! I love the sound of that pesto - great use for almonds!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks so much, Faith!
Jen says
Love pesto! I don't eat steak but this would probably go well on grilled portabello mushrooms or tofu too. Thanks!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Ooh I will have to try this pesto with grilled portabello mushrooms. That sounds fantastic and I just saw some fantastic portabellos at the market the other day! Thanks, Jen!
Rachel Lloyd says
Such a great summer meal!!! Love the look of the presentation as well.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
It is a great backyard BBQ meal, indeed. Thanks, Rachel!
Aubrie LeGault says
I love pesto. I've never made it with almonds- I'll have to try it.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
I now prefer pesto with almonds. Try it and let me know what you think! Thanks, Aubrie! :)
Dana H says
I made chicken pesto last night for dinner and, like you almost always use almonds. This time I added walnuts because I had to raid our trail mix for the nuts. Cilantro is one of my favorites--next time I'll add it. Great idea!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Gotta love pesto's versatility, right? I bet this would be great with chicken as well! Thanks, Dana!
Pech says
Pesto is soooo wonderful- you can put it on anything and it's delicious!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Agree! Thanks, Pech!
Danielle says
Oh my GOODNESS, this looks AMAZING! Steak is a staple in our home and while we don't get to eat it as much as we'd like (lest we go broke), I am always interested in finding new ways to enjoy it. Pinning this recipe for later. Thanks for sharing, cheers!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks for pinning, Danielle! I like buying steak in bulk to save money, and separate into smaller portions to last over several meals.
Erin @ Platings and Pairings says
Basil Cilantro Pesto on a big 'ol steak - I'm in!!! This looks perfect for summer BBQs.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
It's a great backyard BBQ meal, indeed. Just add beer. :) Thanks, Erin!