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Healthy Spicy Pesto Recipe

Today I have a spicy recipe for you that’s delicious as a topper for grilled chicken, fish, burgers … and it’s also great stirred into veggies, beans, and pasta!


Try this spicy recipe for your dinner tonight!


It’s proof that you can enjoy gourmet-style meals while eating a “clean” and healthy diet.

The bonus of eating healthy whole foods is that you feel great AFTER your meals, too – instead of weighed down and blah.

This spicy recipe literally comes together in just a couple of minutes.

The pepitas (pumpkin seeds) add a surprising richness to this pesto. I prefer full-fat Greek yogurt in this, but you can use low-fat if that’s what you have on-hand.


You can easily adjust the heat level, too. A splash or two of sriracha will kick it up a notch, as well as including the jalapeno seeds. 

Spicy Pumpkin Seed Pesto

Serving size: 1 tablespoon

  • ⅓ cup (40 g) hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1-2 garlic cloves
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, quartered with seeds removed
  • 1 cup (50 g) fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup (56 g) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • Hot sauce to taste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Toast the pumpkin seeds in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently so they don’t burn. 

Add them to a food processor along with the other ingredients and blend. Taste and adjust the seasonings.

This keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days in an airtight container. 

Try it and let me know what you think!

Learn seven family-friendly weeknight dinner recipes here

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