Artificial Flavors Free Garlic Mint Fresh Pesto
Fresh herbs, real garlic, toasted pine nuts, and good olive oil — that's genuinely all it takes to build a pesto that tastes brighter and more alive than anything that comes in a jar. The addition of mint alongside classic basil gives this sauce a cool, aromatic lift that makes it feel unexpected without being fussy. Toasting the pine nuts first is a small step that pays off big, coaxing out a warm, nutty depth that anchors all those fresh flavors. Ricotta brings a creamy body to the sauce without weighing it down, and streaming in the olive oil while the processor runs gives you that perfectly spoonable, slightly rustic texture. Every single ingredient here is whole and recognizable, so you never have to squint at a label wondering what "natural flavoring" actually means. It comes together in minutes and works beautifully tossed with pasta, spread on crostini, or spooned over grilled chicken or vegetables.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp pine nuts
- ¼ cup fresh ricotta
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer immediately to a plate and let cool for 2 minutes.
- 2
Combine the mint, basil, garlic, and toasted pine nuts in a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the herbs are roughly chopped and the mixture looks coarse and even.
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