BHA & BHT Free Cilantro, Mint & Pistachio Pesto
This vibrant, herb-forward pesto is a bold twist on the classic, swapping basil for a lively duo of fresh cilantro and mint that makes every bite feel bright and unexpected. Toasted pistachios bring a buttery richness and satisfying texture, while fresh lime juice and zest keep the whole thing tasting clean and alive. A whisper of cumin ties it all together with just enough warmth to make you wonder why you ever settled for the jarred stuff. For anyone navigating BHA and BHT sensitivities, store-bought condiments and sauces are often a minefield — those synthetic preservatives show up in processed oils, packaged nuts, and pre-made pestos without much fanfare on the label. Making this from scratch with whole, unprocessed ingredients means you know exactly what's going in the jar. Dry-roasted unsalted pistachios and extra-virgin olive oil are the only fats here, both naturally free of synthetic antioxidants when sourced carefully. The food processor does all the heavy lifting, so this comes together in just a few minutes with minimal cleanup. Spread it on grilled chicken, toss it with pasta, swipe it across flatbread, or use it as a dipping sauce — it's endlessly versatile and keeps beautifully in the fridge.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
- ½ cup dry-roasted pistachios, unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the pistachios and garlic to the bowl of a food processor and pulse 8–10 times until the pistachios are coarsely broken down and the garlic is finely chopped.
- 2
Add the cilantro, mint, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Pulse another 8–10 times until the herbs are finely chopped and the mixture looks uniformly crumbly.
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