Artificial Flavors Free Cilantro-Lime Spinach Cashew Pesto
This vibrant, herby pesto is a serious upgrade from anything you'd find in a jar, and every single ingredient is exactly what it says it is — no mystery additives, no artificial flavoring agents hiding in the fine print. Fresh cilantro and baby spinach bring a bright, grassy backbone, while raw cashews lend a buttery richness that makes the texture feel almost luxurious without any dairy. Real lime juice and zest do all the heavy lifting in the flavor department, giving you that punchy citrus hit that store-bought versions try to fake with chemical shortcuts. A touch of cumin is optional, but if you're in the mood, it adds a warm, earthy depth that ties everything together beautifully. The whole thing comes together in a food processor in just a few pulses, so you're not spending a lot of time in the kitchen to get something that tastes genuinely special. Spoon it over grilled chicken, toss it with pasta, swirl it into grain bowls, or use it as a dipping sauce — it's the kind of versatile condiment that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed
- 1 cup baby spinach, loosely packed
- ½ cup raw cashews
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- ½ tsp lime zest
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp water, as needed
Instructions
- 1
Add the cilantro, spinach, cashews, garlic, lime juice, and lime zest to a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and the cashews are broken down into small pieces.
- 2
With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto comes together into a thick, slightly textured paste, about 20–30 seconds. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula.
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