Best 2 Lighter Basil Pesto Recipes
Are you searching for a recipe that offers the delicious flavors of traditional basil pesto without compromising on health? We have got you covered! Pesto, a flavorful sauce commonly used in Italian cuisine, is known for its vibrant color and bold taste. However, traditional recipes often rely heavily on oil and cheese, resulting in a calorie-dense condiment. Our collection of lighter basil pesto recipes provides a delightful balance of taste and health consciousness. These recipes incorporate simple substitutions and techniques that reduce fat and calories while maintaining the essence of classic pesto. Get ready to create a lighter version of this beloved sauce that will elevate your meals without weighing you down.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
LIGHTER BASIL PESTO
Basil pesto is one of my favorite foods, especially in the summer. Unfortunately pesto is very high in fat and calories, so I have been working to create a lower fat and calorie version. This pesto is creamy and delicious without the guilt! This recipe is also great with any type of stock or nuts that you have at home.
Provided by Jtallent
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Chop basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor. Add ricotta cheese to the basil mixture and process. Repeat with Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add vegetable broth and process until sauce is smooth. Add more broth if pesto is too thick.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 42 calories, Carbohydrate 1.3 g, Cholesterol 4.6 mg, Fat 3.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 55.6 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
BASIL PESTO - "LIGHTER VERSION"
A lighter version of the clasic pesto. This recipe is great for all the beautiful, fresh basil available in the summer
Provided by Kozmic Blues
Categories Sauces
Time 5m
Yield 3/4 cup
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Add nuts and garlic to blender and pulse until minced.
- Add olive oil, pulse a few time more.
- Add basil leaves, cheese, salt and blend until smooth.
- Scrape sides of blender as you go to make sure everthing mixes well.
- Serve with your favorite pasta.
Tips:
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Use a food processor or blender to make the pesto. This will help to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can make the pesto by hand. Simply chop the basil, garlic, and pine nuts very finely, and then stir them together with the olive oil and Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil in the pesto to achieve the desired consistency. If you want a thicker pesto, use less olive oil. If you want a thinner pesto, use more olive oil.
- Pesto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze pesto for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Basil pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be used as a pasta sauce, a pizza topping, or a dip for vegetables. It can also be used to marinate chicken or fish. Basil pesto is a delicious and easy way to add flavor to your meals.
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