Pork 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 buttery pistachios, bright lemon, and a warming hit of turmeric and ginger for a sauce that feels both familiar and completely unexpected. The food processor does all the heavy lifting — a few pulses and a slow drizzle of good olive oil, and you've got a thick, fragrant paste ready to go. It comes together naturally from whole, plant-based ingredients, so there's nothing to second-guess when it comes to what's actually in it. Spread it over flatbread, toss it with pasta, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a dipping sauce — honestly, it works on almost everything. The optional pinch of cayenne adds a subtle kick if you want a little heat, and the lemon zest keeps the whole thing tasting fresh and alive. Store it with a thin layer of olive oil on top and it'll keep beautifully in the fridge for whenever the craving hits.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!