Fructose Free Cilantro Lime Pesto
Bright, herby, and punchy with citrus, this vibrant green sauce brings serious flavor without a single high-fructose ingredient in sight. Pepitas stand in for the traditional pine nuts, delivering a toasty, nutty richness that makes the whole thing feel satisfying and grounded. The lime juice and zest give it that sharp, fresh lift, while a pinch of cumin adds just enough warmth to keep things interesting. Managing fructose intake can make condiments and sauces a minefield, but every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify. Toasting the pepitas first is a small step that pays off big — it deepens their flavor and gives the finished pesto a subtle complexity you'd never expect from something this quick to make. Drizzle it over grilled proteins, stir it into grains, or use it as a dip, and it holds its own in every application. Keep a jar in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
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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)
Ingredient noteA serving of up to about one small jalapeño is low in fructose. This recipe contains only about 1/6 of a jalapeno per serving, making it likely Low Fructose. If you prefer to always avoid jalapeño, please tap it and change its rating to Red.
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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