Capsaicin Free Cilantro, Mint & Pistachio Pesto
This vibrant, herb-forward pesto is a serious upgrade from the classic basil version, layering the bright freshness of cilantro and mint with the rich, buttery crunch of dry-roasted pistachios. A generous hit of lime juice and zest keeps everything lively, while ground cumin adds just a whisper of warmth that ties the whole thing together. For anyone avoiding capsaicin, the recipe is naturally built without hot peppers — the optional red pepper flakes are easy to leave out entirely, and every other ingredient is completely heat-free. The food processor does most of the heavy lifting, so you go from a handful of fresh herbs to a coarse, spreadable paste in just a few minutes. Swirl it into pasta, spoon it over grilled chicken or fish, spread it on flatbread, or use it as a dipping sauce — it's genuinely one of those condiments that makes everything it touches taste more interesting. Store it in a sealed jar in the fridge and it's ready to go whenever you need a fast, flavorful boost.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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)
Can be omittedred pepper flakes
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!