Barley Free Turmeric-Ginger Parsley Lemon Pesto
This vibrant, herby pesto is a serious upgrade from the jarred stuff, layering bright parsley, warm turmeric, and zingy fresh ginger into something that tastes genuinely alive. The lemon juice and zest cut right through the richness of the walnuts and olive oil, giving you a sauce that's bold without being heavy. Everything comes together in a food processor in just a few pulses, so the effort is minimal but the payoff is huge. Because every ingredient here is a whole, recognizable food — fresh herbs, nuts, citrus, spices — there's no need to scan labels for hidden grain-derived additives or fillers that can sneak into store-bought condiments. It's naturally free of any grain-based thickeners, which makes it a genuinely safe and delicious option for anyone navigating grain sensitivities. Spoon it over roasted vegetables, toss it with pasta, swipe it onto grilled chicken, or use it as a dip — it's one of those sauces that makes everything it touches taste more interesting. Store it with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface and it'll stay brilliantly green in the fridge for up to five days.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 2 cups fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves and tender stems, loosely packed
- ⅓ cup raw walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp water, as needed to thin (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the parsley, walnuts, garlic, ginger, turmeric, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and the ingredients are roughly combined.
- 2
With the processor running, stream in the olive oil in a slow, steady pour until the pesto comes together into a thick, slightly textured paste, about 20–30 seconds. Stop and scrape down the sides once midway through.
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