MSG Free Cilantro Lime Pesto
Bright, herby, and punchy with citrus, this cilantro lime pesto is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more alive. Every ingredient here is whole and straightforward — toasted pepitas, fresh cilantro, real lime juice, olive oil, garlic — so there's no guesswork about hidden additives or flavor enhancers sneaking into your food. That matters more than people realize with store-bought pestos and sauces, which often rely on processed flavor boosters to hit their taste targets. This one gets all its depth the honest way: toasting the pepitas coaxes out a nutty richness, the lime zest and juice bring a sharp, clean brightness, and a pinch of cumin ties it all together with a subtle warmth. The optional jalapeño is a nice touch if you want a little heat without complicating the ingredient list. Blend it smooth or leave it with a bit of texture — either way, it comes together in minutes and works beautifully as a dip, a taco drizzle, a grain bowl topping, or stirred into pasta. Once you have a jar of this in the fridge, 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)
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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