Lactose 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 a vibrant green base, while fresh lime juice and zest cut through with a zippy acidity that makes every bite feel alive. A double hit of ginger — ground for warmth and freshly grated for a little bite — gives it a complexity that keeps you coming back for another taste. Because the whole recipe is built on olive oil, fresh herbs, and citrus, there's no dairy anywhere in sight, making it a genuinely effortless fit for anyone avoiding lactose without any substitutions or workarounds needed. Toss it with noodles, spoon it over grilled fish or chicken, swirl it into soups, or use it as a bold sandwich spread — it's one of those versatile sauces that earns a permanent spot in your fridge rotation. Store it in a sealed jar and it stays bright and flavorful, ready to elevate whatever you're cooking next.

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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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