Barley Free Ginger Cilantro Lime Pesto

Total time10 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time0 min

4.9

(26)

Bright, herby, and punchy with citrus, this pesto is a serious upgrade from the classic basil version — and it comes together in minutes with just a blender or food processor. Cilantro and flat-leaf parsley form the leafy base, while fresh lime juice, lime zest, and grated ginger give it a lively, almost tropical kick that makes you want to put it on everything. Because it's built entirely from fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, and a handful of pantry staples, there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden grain-based fillers that can sneak into store-bought sauces. The double hit of ground and fresh ginger is optional but genuinely worth it — it adds a subtle warmth that balances the brightness of the lime beautifully. Streaming the olive oil in slowly while the machine runs is the small step that takes this from chunky herb paste to a silky, vibrant sauce. Use it as a marinade, a dipping sauce, a taco topper, or stirred into grain bowls — it's endlessly versatile and keeps well in an airtight jar in the fridge.

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Ingredients

6 servings

2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed
¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, loosely packed
2 cloves garlic, peeled
3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
1 tsp lime zest
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp ground ginger
1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated (optional)

Instructions

1
Add the cilantro, parsley, garlic, lime juice, lime zest, salt, ground ginger, and fresh ginger (if using) to the bowl of a food processor or blender.
2
Pulse 8–10 times until the herbs and garlic are roughly chopped and the mixture begins to come together.

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