Gut Friendly Arugula & Herb Pesto
Pesto is one of those sauces that feels indulgent but is actually built on ingredients your digestive system tends to love. This version leans on fresh arugula and basil — both leafy greens known for being gentle and nourishing — rather than heavier additions that can leave you feeling sluggish. The extra-virgin olive oil brings healthy fats that support a happy gut, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up and aids in digestion. A pinch of turmeric is optional, but it's a smart little addition if you want an extra anti-inflammatory nudge. Everything comes together in a food processor in just a few pulses, so there's no cooking involved and the fresh ingredients stay vibrant and intact. Toss it with your favorite pasta, spread it on toast, or use it as a dip — this is the kind of versatile, feel-good sauce you'll want to keep on rotation.
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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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