PCOS Friendly Cilantro Lime Pesto

Total time13 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time3 min

Bright, herby, and punchy with citrus, this vibrant green sauce is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more alive. Cilantro and fresh lime juice bring bold flavor without any added sugar, while raw pepitas — toasted until golden and just barely popping — provide healthy fats and a subtle nuttiness that gives the pesto real body. Extra-virgin olive oil ties it all together with anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats, which is exactly the kind of ingredient profile that makes this sauce a smart choice for managing hormonal balance through food. A touch of cumin adds warmth and depth that keeps this from tasting one-dimensional. Managing blood sugar is a core concern with PCOS, and this recipe leans entirely on whole, minimally processed ingredients with no refined carbs or hidden sweeteners in sight. Drizzle it over grilled chicken, stir it into grain bowls, toss it with roasted vegetables, or use it as a dip — the jalapeño is optional, but highly recommended if you like a little heat. It comes together in minutes and keeps your meals interesting all week long.

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Ingredients

6 servings

⅓ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Nature's Basket Organic Raw Whole Shelled Pepitas PF Snacks Raw Pepitas, 30 oz Sprouts Raw Pumpkin Seed Kernels Sprouts Organic Raw Pumpkin Seed Kernels Aurora Natural Organic Raw Pumpkin Seeds
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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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