Sesame Free Garlic Ginger Fresh Herb Pesto
Bright, herby, and punchy with a little warmth from fresh ginger, this pesto is the kind of sauce that makes you want to put it on absolutely everything. Basil and flat-leaf parsley form a lush green base, while raw sunflower seeds stand in for the more traditional pine nuts, giving the pesto a subtly nutty depth without any sesame in sight. That swap matters more than it might seem — tahini and sesame oil sneak into a surprising number of store-bought pestos and blended sauces, so making your own is the cleanest way to stay safe. Fresh ricotta brings a creamy, slightly tangy richness that binds everything together beautifully and sets this version apart from the usual. A steady pour of extra-virgin olive oil in the food processor pulls it all into a smooth, cohesive sauce with just enough texture to feel homemade. Toss it with pasta, spread it on toast, swirl it into soup, or use it as a marinade — it's endlessly versatile and keeps well in the freezer so you can always have some on hand.
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
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup fresh ricotta
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Add the basil, parsley, garlic, and ginger to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the herbs are roughly broken down and the garlic and ginger are finely chopped.
- 2
Add the sunflower seeds and fresh ricotta. Pulse another 6–8 times until the seeds are coarsely ground and the mixture looks evenly combined but still has some texture.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!