Fish Free Turmeric-Ginger Mint Pistachio Pesto
This vibrant, herb-forward pesto is a serious upgrade from the classic — bright mint and basil come together with buttery pistachios, warm turmeric, and a hit of fresh ginger for something that tastes genuinely exciting. The lemon juice and zest keep everything lively, while a touch of cayenne adds just enough heat to make you go back for another spoonful. It all comes together in a food processor in minutes, with no cooking required and no complicated technique to worry about. Pesto can be a surprisingly tricky category when you're avoiding fish, since some store-bought versions sneak in anchovies or are processed alongside seafood-based sauces — making this from-scratch version a much more reliable choice. Every ingredient here is entirely plant-based, so you know exactly what you're getting. Spread it over flatbread, toss it with pasta, swirl it into grain bowls, or use it as a dipping sauce — it's the kind of versatile condiment that quietly improves everything it touches. Store it with a thin layer of olive oil pressed over the surface and it'll keep beautifully in the fridge for days.
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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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