Citric Acid Free Turmeric-Ginger Mint Pistachio Pesto
This vibrant, herb-forward pesto is a serious upgrade from anything you'd find in a jar at the grocery store. Creamy pistachios stand in for the traditional pine nuts, lending a buttery richness that pairs beautifully with the bright, cooling punch of fresh mint and basil. Ground turmeric gives the whole thing a gorgeous golden hue, while freshly grated ginger adds a subtle warmth that makes every bite feel a little more alive. The garlic and a whisper of cayenne round things out with just enough edge to keep it interesting. For anyone navigating a citric acid sensitivity, pesto can be a surprisingly tricky category — many store-bought versions sneak in citric acid as a preservative or stabilizer. Here, the brightness comes entirely from fresh lemon juice and zest, which are naturally occurring and easy to control or adjust to your own tolerance. Everything goes into a food processor and comes together in just a few pulses, so the technique is as approachable as the ingredient list. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, swirl it into pasta, or spread it thick on crusty bread — however you use it, this one is going to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.
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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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