Gut Friendly Garlic Mint Fresh Pesto

Total time13 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time3 min

4.6

(12)

Fresh herbs are the heart of this vibrant pesto, and the combination of mint and basil creates something genuinely unexpected — bright, cooling, and deeply aromatic all at once. Toasting the pine nuts first is a small step that pays off big, adding a warm, nutty depth that balances the boldness of the garlic and the freshness of the herbs. Instead of the usual hard aged cheese, fresh ricotta brings a gentle creaminess that keeps the sauce light and easy on the digestive system without sacrificing any richness. The slow stream of extra-virgin olive oil ties everything together into a thick, spoonable sauce that clings beautifully to pasta, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. Because every ingredient here is whole and minimally processed, you know exactly what you're eating — no hidden additives, preservatives, or gut-disrupting fillers to worry about. It comes together in minutes with a food processor and keeps in the fridge for a couple of days, making it an effortless way to add real flavor to weeknight meals.

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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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