MSG Free Arugula & Herb Pesto
Bright, peppery arugula and sweet basil come together in this vibrant pesto that tastes like it belongs on everything from pasta to grilled bread to roasted vegetables. The flavor is bold and fresh, with a gentle kick from the greens and a lift of citrus from the lemon juice that keeps it lively without being sharp. Store-bought pesto and jarred sauces are notorious for sneaking in flavor enhancers and additives, so making your own from scratch is the cleanest way to know exactly what's going into your food. Every ingredient here is whole and recognizable — good olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of sea salt. The optional turmeric adds a subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue without changing the flavor profile in any dramatic way. A food processor does all the heavy lifting, and the whole thing comes together in just a few pulses. It's the kind of condiment you'll want to keep in the fridge at all times.
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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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