Artificial Food Coloring Free Basil-Pesto Spinach Salad
Fresh, vibrant, and built entirely from whole ingredients you can actually recognize, this spinach salad is the kind of dish that makes eating well feel genuinely exciting. The pesto comes together in a food processor using fresh basil, garlic, tiger nuts, and a splash of lemon juice — no mystery powders, no synthetic dyes, nothing artificial anywhere on the ingredient list. That golden hue you see in the dressing? It comes from a pinch of ground turmeric, which means the color is completely natural and the flavor gets a subtle, earthy warmth to match. Store-bought dressings and pre-made pestos are notorious for sneaking in artificial colorants and preservatives, so blending your own takes all the guesswork off the table. Tossed with crisp baby spinach, cool cucumber, and peppery radish slices, every bite has great texture and a brightness that feels restaurant-worthy without the effort. A squeeze of lemon at the table ties everything together and keeps the flavors lively right up until the last forkful.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- ⅓ cup tiger nuts, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
For the salad
- 6 oz baby spinach (about 6 packed cups)
- 4 radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced into half-moons
For serving
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the basil, tiger nuts, and garlic in a food processor and pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely ground and no large pieces remain.
- 2
With the processor running, stream in the olive oil in a slow, steady pour until the pesto is smooth and emulsified, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides, then add the lemon juice, salt, and turmeric. Pulse 3–4 more times until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust salt.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!