Emulsifier Free Mint & Herb Pesto
Bright, herby, and punchy with lemon, this pesto is the kind of sauce that makes everything it touches taste more alive. The combination of mint, basil, and flat-leaf parsley creates a layered freshness that goes well beyond a classic basil-only version, while a hit of lemon zest and juice keeps it vibrant and sharp. Store-bought pestos and condiments are notorious for sneaking in lecithins, mono- and diglycerides, and other emulsifying agents ā this one skips all of that entirely, relying on nothing but whole herbs, garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of citrus to hold itself together. The slow drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil into the running food processor is the key step, coaxing the ingredients into a cohesive, spoonable paste without any additives doing the heavy lifting. It comes together in minutes and works beautifully stirred into pasta, spooned over grilled vegetables, or spread onto crusty bread. Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface before storing is a smart trick to keep the color gorgeous and the flavor fresh for longer.
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 āIngredients
6 servings
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- Ā½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Ā½ tsp fine sea salt
- Ā½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Add the mint, basil, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8ā10 times until the herbs are coarsely chopped and the garlic is broken down.
- 2
With the processor running, pour the olive oil through the feed tube in a slow, steady stream until the pesto comes together into a coarse, spoonable paste ā about 20ā30 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, then pulse once or twice more to incorporate any remaining herb pieces.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!