Cashew Free Turmeric-Ginger Mint Pistachio Pesto
This vibrant, herb-forward pesto is anything but ordinary — fresh mint and basil come together with raw pistachios, bright lemon, and a warming hit of turmeric and ginger for a sauce that feels both bold and surprisingly fresh. The food processor does all the heavy lifting, blending everything into a thick, drizzleable paste that works beautifully on pasta, grilled vegetables, flatbreads, or even spooned over roasted chicken. Pistachios bring a buttery richness and a slightly earthy depth that makes this pesto feel luxurious without relying on any tree nuts that might otherwise be a concern for cashew-sensitive cooks. Many store-bought pestos and specialty sauces sneak in cashews or cashew-based creamers, so making your own from scratch is the cleanest way to stay in control of every ingredient. The turmeric gives the finished sauce a gorgeous golden-green hue, and the fresh ginger adds just enough warmth to keep things interesting without overpowering the herbs. A thin layer of olive oil pressed over the surface before storing keeps it bright and fresh in the fridge. Once you have a jar of this on hand, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, packed
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ cup raw shelled pistachios
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp water, as needed
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the mint, basil, pistachios, turmeric, grated ginger, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and the herbs are broken down.
- 2
With the processor running, stream in the olive oil through the feed tube until the pesto comes together into a thick, slightly textured paste, about 20–30 seconds. Scrape down the sides once midway through.
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