Artificial Food Coloring Free Arugula & Herb Pesto
Store-bought pesto can be a minefield of unnecessary additives, and even "natural" versions sometimes sneak in color-enhancing agents to keep that vivid green looking picture-perfect on the shelf. This homemade version skips all of that entirely — every ingredient is exactly what it sounds like, from the fresh arugula and basil to the garlic, lemon juice, and good olive oil. The result is a pesto with a genuinely bold, peppery flavor that store versions rarely match, because the arugula brings a pleasant bite that pairs beautifully with the sweet, herby basil. A touch of turmeric is offered as an optional addition, lending a subtle warmth and a golden hue that comes entirely from a real spice rather than anything synthetic. The whole thing comes together in a food processor in just a few pulses, so you're not trading convenience for cleanliness — you're getting both. Toss it with pasta, spread it on crusty bread, or use it as a sauce for grilled proteins; the versatility here is genuinely impressive. Once you taste how bright and fresh this is, going back to a jarred version will feel like a real step down.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 cups fresh arugula, packed
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the arugula, basil, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the greens are coarsely chopped and the garlic is broken down.
- 2
With the processor running, pour the olive oil in a slow, steady stream through the feed tube and process until the pesto is mostly smooth with a slightly textured consistency, about 20–30 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula as needed.
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