Xanthan Gum Free Vegan Cilantro Pesto

Total time13 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time3 min

Bright, herby, and punchy with citrus, this cilantro pesto is the kind of sauce that makes you want to drizzle it on absolutely everything. Toasted pepitas bring a nutty depth and satisfying body that hold the whole thing together without any dairy or cheese — nutritional yeast steps in to deliver that savory, umami-rich quality you'd expect from a classic pesto. A hit of fresh lime juice keeps the flavor lively and vibrant, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth to make it interesting. For anyone navigating thickeners and stabilizers in store-bought condiments and sauces, this recipe is a breath of fresh air — every single ingredient is whole and straightforward, with zero additives needed to achieve a beautifully thick, spoonable consistency. The food processor does the heavy lifting, and the slow stream of olive oil brings it all together into a glossy, cohesive sauce with real texture. It comes together in minutes and keeps well in the fridge, making it an easy go-to for pasta, grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or spooned straight over grilled proteins. Once you have a jar of this in the fridge, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly.

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Ingredients

6 servings

⅓ cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
Nature's Basket Organic Raw Whole Shelled Pepitas PF Snacks Raw Pepitas, 30 oz Sprouts Raw Pumpkin Seed Kernels Sprouts Organic Raw Pumpkin Seed Kernels Aurora Natural Organic Raw Pumpkin Seeds
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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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