Pecan Free Turmeric-Ginger Mint Pistachio Pesto
This vibrant, herb-forward pesto is anything but ordinary — fresh mint and basil come together with raw pistachios, warm turmeric, and bright lemon for a sauce that's bold, aromatic, and genuinely craveable. The grated ginger adds a subtle heat that plays beautifully against the cooling mint, while the turmeric gives the whole thing a gorgeous golden hue. Store-bought pestos often sneak in tree nuts like pecans or walnuts without much fanfare, so making your own from scratch means you know exactly what's going in the jar. Pistachios bring a buttery richness and satisfying texture that makes this pesto feel indulgent without any of the worry. The food processor does most of the heavy lifting — a few pulses, a slow drizzle of good olive oil, and you're done. Spread it over grilled chicken, toss it with pasta, swipe it across flatbread, or use it as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables — it's endlessly versatile. A thin layer of olive oil pressed over the surface keeps it fresh and bright in the fridge, 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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