Chestnut Free Garlic Scallion Fresh Herb Pesto
This vibrant, herb-forward pesto is built on a base of fresh basil and flat-leaf parsley, brightened with scallion greens and garlic for a sauce that tastes alive in a way jarred versions simply can't match. Sunflower seeds stand in for the more common pine nuts, giving the pesto a subtly nutty depth and a pleasantly coarse texture that clings beautifully to pasta, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread. Fresh ricotta is the real secret weapon here — it lends a creamy, slightly tangy body that makes the whole thing feel rich without being heavy. For anyone navigating tree nut allergies or sensitivities, this recipe is a genuine relief, since every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify at the store. The food processor does most of the work in just a few pulses, so you go from a pile of fresh herbs to a gorgeous, restaurant-worthy sauce in minutes. A drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil ties everything together and gives it that glossy, spoonable finish you want. Make a batch on the weekend and you have an instant flavor upgrade ready to go for days.
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!