Lactose 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. Fresh mint and basil come together with raw pistachios for a sauce that's bright, creamy-textured, and packed with herby depth — no dairy required, not even a drop. The turmeric and freshly grated ginger give it a warm, earthy backbone that makes it taste complex without being complicated, while lemon juice and zest keep everything lively and fresh. Because the richness here comes entirely from pistachios and good extra virgin olive oil, it's naturally free of the cream or cheese that traditional pesto relies on, making it a genuinely satisfying option without any substitutions or workarounds. A food processor does all the heavy lifting in just a few pulses, so you're looking at minimal effort for maximum payoff. Spread it over grilled vegetables, toss it with pasta, use it as a sandwich sauce, or swirl it into a grain bowl — it's endlessly versatile. Store it with a thin layer of olive oil on top and it keeps beautifully, ready to elevate whatever you're cooking next.
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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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