Caffeine Free Garlic Scallion Fresh Herb Pesto
Fresh herbs are the real star here — packed basil and flat-leaf parsley blitz together with scallion greens and garlic to create a sauce that's bright, grassy, and deeply aromatic. What makes this version especially interesting is the swap of raw sunflower seeds for the more traditional pine nuts, giving the pesto a subtly nutty, earthy backbone without any bitterness. Fresh ricotta folds in to add a creamy, lightly tangy richness that makes the whole thing feel luxurious without being heavy. A steady pour of extra-virgin olive oil brings it all together into a smooth, cohesive sauce that still holds a little texture — exactly what you want clinging to pasta or spread across warm bread. For anyone steering clear of caffeine, this is a completely worry-free condiment since every ingredient is a whole, unprocessed food with zero hidden stimulants. It comes together in a food processor in just a few minutes, and the result is far more vibrant than anything you'd find in a jar at the store. Make a batch, press plastic wrap against the surface to keep it green, and you've got a versatile sauce ready to elevate just about anything in your fridge.
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
4 servings
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, packed
- 3 scallions, green tops only, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- ⅓ cup fresh ricotta
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup raw sunflower seeds
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
- 1
Add the basil, parsley, scallion greens, and garlic to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the herbs are roughly broken down and the garlic is 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!