Vegan Turmeric-Ginger Mint Pistachio Pesto
This vibrant green pesto is anything but ordinary — fresh mint and basil come together with buttery pistachios, bright lemon, and a bold hit of turmeric and ginger that makes every spoonful feel alive. The combination of warm spice and cool herb is genuinely surprising in the best way, landing somewhere between a classic Italian pesto and something you'd find at a really exciting modern restaurant. Because it's built entirely from whole plants and good olive oil, there's no need to swap out dairy or hunt down specialty products — it's naturally free of animal ingredients from the start. The food processor does all the heavy lifting, and the whole thing comes together in just a few pulses and a steady stream of olive oil. A splash of water at the end lets you dial in the texture, whether you want a thick spread for crusty bread or something loose enough to toss through pasta or grain bowls. That thin layer of olive oil pressed over the surface before storing is a smart little trick that keeps the color gorgeous and the flavor fresh. Keep a jar of this in the fridge and you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.
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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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