Citric Acid Free Garlic Scallion Fresh Herb Pesto
Fresh herb pesto is one of those sauces that can transform a simple meal into something genuinely special, and this version delivers big, vibrant flavor from a handful of real, whole ingredients. For anyone avoiding citric acid — which sneaks into a surprising number of store-bought pestos and condiments as a preservative or flavor enhancer — making it from scratch is really the only reliable way to go. Every ingredient here is naturally free of that additive, so you can blend with confidence. The scallion greens bring a mild, grassy bite that plays beautifully alongside the bright basil and parsley, while fresh ricotta gives the sauce a creamy, slightly pillowy body that sets it apart from a standard nut-and-oil blend. Raw sunflower seeds add just enough richness and texture without overwhelming the herbs. It comes together in minutes in a food processor and works on pasta, grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or honestly just eaten by the spoonful. Make it fresh and use it quickly — the color and flavor are at their absolute best right out of the machine.
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!