Spring cleaning.... of your diet - Raw Pumpkin Seed Pesto

I need to catch you up to speed here. So it is day 4 of a 10 day raw whole food juicing/smoothie cleanse that is being run by the beautiful and talented Dr Rhea of RAWjuvenation. I have chosen to go completely raw,  blending all of my food to give my digestion and body a break from the heavy foods of winter. So far, so good. I start my morning with a probiotic, oil pulling, a huge glass of lemon water, then I fill my day with superfood smoothies, nutrient rich, low sugar, green juices, more lemon water, and the occasional blended raw food like this:

This was inspired by one of Dr Rhea’s recipes up on her Facebook page. The best part is that this recipe is a dump and puree method and this pesto is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a dip for a crudite platter, a spread for sandwiches, or even thinned out with some additional olive oil as a sauce or salad dressing. Basically, it is good on everything! 

How are you cleaning up your diet for the Spring? 

Raw Pumpkin Seed Pesto 

Yields 2

Vegan - Raw - Gluten Free - Grain Free - Sugar Free - Paleo 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raw shelled pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup raw shelled sunflower seeds
• 1 large handful of parsley (about 1 cup packed)
• 1 large handful of cilantro (about 1 cup packed)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup filtered water
• 1/4 cup cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbl lemon juice
• 1 capful of apple cider vinegar (brand Bragg's)
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt or to taste
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• pinch of cayenne

Instructions

1. Place all of the ingredients into a work bowl of a food processor and blend until a well combined and blended to the consistency of your liking.
2. Taste for seasoning and keep covered in the fridge until ready to eat.

Notes

1. The seeds can be substituted for any other nut like walnuts, almonds, brazil nuts etc
2. The herbs can be substituted for other herbs like basil, dill, chives etc
3. For a richer pesto use 1/3 cup water and 1/3 cup olive oil
4. Thin with extra olive oil for a salad dressing or sauce