Fish Free Mint & Herb Pesto
Traditional pesto often calls for anchovies or gets served alongside fish-based dishes, so it's genuinely refreshing to find a version that's entirely built around bold, bright herbs. This one layers mint, basil, and flat-leaf parsley together for a pesto that's more vibrant and aromatic than the classic you're used to ā almost floral, with a clean citrus edge from the lemon zest and juice. A couple of garlic cloves and good extra-virgin olive oil round everything out into a coarse, spoonable paste that feels both rustic and a little fancy. The food processor does all the heavy lifting, so you're looking at minimal effort for maximum payoff. It's the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more alive ā toss it with pasta, swipe it on flatbread, or spoon it over roasted vegetables. Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface before storing is a smart trick that keeps 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!