Gut Friendly Cilantro Lime Pesto
Bright, herby, and punchy with citrus, this vibrant green sauce brings serious flavor to just about anything it touches — grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, grain bowls, or a simple piece of fish. What makes it genuinely gut-friendly is what's in it: raw pepitas toasted to golden perfection, fresh cilantro, real lime juice, a touch of cumin, and quality olive oil. These are whole, minimally processed ingredients that your digestive system can actually work with, rather than the preservatives and emulsifiers hiding in most store-bought condiments. Toasting the pepitas first is a small step that makes a big difference, drawing out a nutty depth that anchors the brightness of the lime and cilantro beautifully. The optional jalapeño adds a gentle kick without overwhelming the sauce, and the water adjustment at the end lets you dial in exactly the consistency you want. It comes together in a blender in just a few minutes, and a batch keeps well in the fridge so you always have something nourishing and delicious within reach.
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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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