Capsaicin Free Ginger Cilantro Lime Pesto
Bright, herby, and punchy with citrus, this blended sauce is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more alive. Cilantro and flat-leaf parsley form a lush green base, while fresh lime juice and zest cut through with a clean, almost electric acidity. Ground ginger and optional fresh ginger add a warm, aromatic depth that keeps the flavor interesting without any heat — making this a genuinely exciting option for anyone who needs to avoid capsaicin but still craves bold, complex flavor. Traditional pesto swaps are often off the table because of chili flakes or spicy add-ins, but every single ingredient here is naturally free of that concern. The whole thing comes together in a food processor in just a few pulses and a slow drizzle of olive oil, resulting in a smooth, vivid sauce that's as versatile as it is beautiful. Toss it with pasta, spoon it over grilled fish, swirl it into soups, or use it as a spread — it holds its own in just about any role you give it.
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Learn more →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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