Sesame Free Ginger Cilantro Lime Pesto

Total time10 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time0 min

4.9

(26)

This vibrant, herb-forward pesto is punchy with citrus, fragrant with cilantro and parsley, and layered with a warm ginger kick that makes it feel anything but ordinary. It comes together in a blender or food processor in just a few pulses, so you get a glossy, bright-green sauce without much effort at all. For anyone navigating sesame allergies or sensitivities, traditional pesto variations and store-bought herb sauces can be a minefield — tahini, sesame oil, and shared equipment all lurk in unexpected places. This recipe keeps things clean and simple: fresh herbs, garlic, lime, olive oil, and ginger are all you need. The double hit of ground and freshly grated ginger gives it a gentle heat that plays beautifully against the tart lime juice and grassy cilantro. Spoon it over grilled chicken or fish, toss it with noodles or roasted vegetables, or use it as a bold dipping sauce — it's endlessly versatile. Transfer any leftovers to a jar and keep it on hand all week, because you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.

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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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