Legume Free Vegan Cilantro Pesto
Bright, herby, and packed with bold flavor, this cilantro pesto is the kind of condiment that makes you want to put it on absolutely everything. Toasted pepitas stand in for the traditional pine nuts, bringing a nutty, slightly earthy richness that holds up beautifully against the fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice. Nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy depth without any dairy, so the whole sauce stays completely plant-based while still tasting deeply satisfying. Many classic pesto recipes lean on pine nuts or cashews, but this one keeps things entirely legume-free and tree-nut-free by building its base around pumpkin seeds — no compromises needed. A quick toast in a dry skillet is the secret step that unlocks their flavor before everything gets blitzed together in the food processor. The result is a thick, spoonable sauce with just enough texture to feel rustic and real rather than overly smooth or processed. Use it as a pasta sauce, a spread for sandwiches, a drizzle over roasted vegetables, or a dip for warm flatbread — it's endlessly versatile. The optional pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a gentle kick if you're into a little heat, and a final squeeze of lime keeps the whole thing tasting fresh and vibrant.
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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)
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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