Artificial Food Coloring Free Cilantro Lime Pesto
Bright, herby, and punchy with citrus, this cilantro lime pesto is the kind of sauce that makes everything it touches taste more alive. Every ingredient here is whole and recognizable — fresh cilantro, real lime juice, toasted pepitas, olive oil — so you never have to squint at a label wondering what "color added" actually means. Store-bought pestos and condiments are notorious for sneaking in dyes and artificial enhancers, but this one is blended entirely from scratch with nothing synthetic in sight. Toasting the pepitas first is a small step that pays off big, adding a nutty, slightly smoky depth that anchors all that bright green freshness. The optional jalapeño brings gentle heat without any artificial flavoring, and the cumin gives it a subtle warmth that sets it apart from a classic basil version. Spoon it over grilled chicken, toss it with pasta, swirl it into grain bowls, or use it as a dip — it's endlessly versatile and genuinely hard to stop eating.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- ⅓ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed
- 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp water, as needed to thin
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Toast the pepitas in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they begin to pop and turn golden, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a plate and let cool for 2 minutes.
- 2
Combine the toasted pepitas, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, and salt in a food processor or blender. Add the jalapeño, if using. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
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