Artificial Food Coloring Free Vegan Cilantro Pesto
Bright, herby, and packed with bold flavor, this cilantro pesto is the kind of sauce that makes you want to put it on absolutely everything. Toasted pepitas bring a nutty depth and satisfying texture, while fresh lime juice keeps the whole thing lively and vibrant. Nutritional yeast adds a savory, almost cheesy richness without any dairy, making this a genuinely satisfying plant-based condiment. Every single ingredient here is whole and recognizable — no dyes, no artificial additives, no mystery preservatives hiding in a store-bought jar. That matters more than people realize with condiments and sauces, which are some of the sneakiest sources of synthetic colorings in the grocery aisle. The food processor does most of the heavy lifting, and the whole process comes together in just a few minutes once your pepitas are toasted. Spoon it over grain bowls, toss it with pasta, spread it on toast, or use it as a dipping sauce — it's endlessly versatile and completely made from scratch.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- ⅓ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, loosely packed
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- ¼ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
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Instructions
- 1
Toast the pepitas in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they begin to pop and turn golden, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely, as they can brown quickly. Transfer to a plate and let cool for 2 minutes.
- 2
Add the toasted pepitas, cilantro, garlic, nutritional yeast, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to a food processor. Pulse 8–10 times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and roughly combined.
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