Barley Free Garlic Mint Fresh Pesto

Total time13 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time3 min

4.6

(12)

Fresh pesto is one of those sauces that makes everything it touches taste more alive, and this garlic-mint version is no exception. The combination of mint and basil creates something brighter and more aromatic than a classic basil-only pesto — it's herbaceous, a little cooling, and deeply savory all at once. Toasting the pine nuts first is a small step that pays off big, adding a warm, nutty depth that anchors all those fresh flavors. Fresh ricotta takes the place of the more traditional hard cheese, giving the sauce a creamy, pillowy body without weighing it down. The whole thing comes together in a food processor in just a few minutes, which means you're never far from a spoonable, vibrant sauce ready to go over pasta, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. Many store-bought pestos and condiments sneak in grain-based fillers or additives, so making your own from scratch is the cleanest way to know exactly what's in the jar. This one keeps its ingredient list short, honest, and completely free of any grain-derived additions.

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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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