Citric Acid Free Basil-Pesto Spinach Salad
Fresh basil, crisp baby spinach, and a vibrant homemade pesto come together in a salad that feels both light and deeply satisfying. The pesto here skips traditional pine nuts in favor of tiger nuts, which lend a subtly sweet, nutty richness while keeping the whole dish free from common additives and preservatives found in store-bought versions. Garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and a pinch of turmeric round out the blending process, giving the dressing a gorgeous golden hue and a flavor that's anything but ordinary. Thinly sliced radishes and cool cucumber half-moons add crunch and freshness to every forkful, making this far more interesting than your average green salad. For anyone navigating sensitivities to citric acid — which sneaks into a surprising number of bottled dressings and condiments — making the pesto from scratch puts you fully in control of every ingredient. The whole thing comes together in one food processor and a large bowl, so cleanup is minimal and the payoff is maximum. Serve it immediately for the best texture, with extra torn basil scattered on top if you want to lean into that herby, garden-fresh finish.
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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.
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