It’s pesto time, cilantro pesto time to be exact. Basil is the primary pesto ingredient you know and love, but it’s perfectly acceptable, encouraged even, to change up recipes for different flavor profiles. That’s exactly what this dish does! The pepitas, pumpkin seeds, provide body to the pesto and the cilantro makes it feel like you’re eating clean. Plus, the beautiful combination of bright orange carrot noodles and rich, green pesto sauce makes your mouth water.

This is the type of recipe that gets you away from your typical everyday eating. After eating a plate or bowl of these pesto carrot noodles, you’ll feel ready to take on the world. This is because nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables contain fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, and other micronutrients. The complex carbs slow the digestive process to keep your energy levels sustained, while the fiber creates a feeling of satiety, keeping you full between meals.

Pumpkin seeds happen to be a great filling and energizing snack, especially for people on the raw vegan diet. They also blend easily and lend their flavor to both energy bites or raw sauces. While these give the pesto sauce body, the flavor is going to come from the garlic, cilantro, lemon, sea salt, and jalapeño. Yes, you read that right, folks. This pesto contains jalapeño, meaning it packs some spice, which can actually help keep you warm on a raw diet. It’s truly an unusual dish, but it definitely surprises your taste buds, awakening them with powerful flavors. Let us know how you like it in the comments below.