Pesto dressing

Pesto dressing

Condiment

Item Rating: 50/100

1 serving (30 grams) contains 120 calories, 2.0 grams of protein, 12.0 grams of fat, and 1.0 grams of carbohydrates.

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944.9
calories
15.7
protein
7.9
carbohydrates
94.5
fat

Nutrition Information

1 cup (236.2g)
Calories
944.9
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 94.5 g 121%
Saturated Fat 15.7 g 78%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 39.4 mg 13%
Sodium 1181.1 mg 51%
Total Carbohydrates 7.9 g 2%
Dietary Fiber 0 g 0%
Sugars 0 g
protein 15.7 g 31%
Vitamin D 0 mcg 0%
Calcium 315.0 mg 24%
Iron 3.9 mg 21%
Potassium 236.2 mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

🍯 Low sugar
🧈 High saturated fat
🍞 Low carbs

Source of Calories

3.3%
6.6%
90.0%
Fat: 850 cal (90.0%)
Protein: 62 cal (6.6%)
Carbs: 31 cal (3.3%)

About Pesto dressing

Pesto dressing originates from Genoa, located in northern Italy, and is a flavorful condiment made primarily with basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Traditionally associated with Italian cuisine, it has gained global popularity due to its unique taste and versatility. Nutritionally, pesto is dense in healthy fats thanks to olive oil and pine nuts, and it also provides vitamins like vitamin E and vitamin K. While it is calorie-dense due to its fat content, it contains unsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, it offers small amounts of calcium and protein from the Parmesan cheese.

Health Benefits

  • Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil, which support heart health and reduce bad cholesterol levels.
  • Good source of vitamin K from basil, which plays an essential role in blood clotting and bone health.
  • Contains antioxidants like vitamin E from olive oil and pine nuts, which help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: Contains pine nuts, Parmesan cheese (dairy), garlic (for sensitive individuals)
Suitable for: Mediterranean diet, vegetarian diet
Not suitable for: Vegan diet (due to parmesan cheese), nut-free diet (due to pine nuts), dairy-free diet

Selection and Storage

Store pesto dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent discoloration, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing.

Common Questions About Pesto dressing Nutrition

Is pesto dressing high in protein?

Pesto dressing is not particularly high in protein. A typical serving (2 tablespoons) contains about 1-2 grams of protein, primarily from pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. It is relatively low compared to protein-rich foods.

Can I eat pesto dressing on a keto diet?

Yes, pesto dressing is compatible with a keto diet due to its high fat content and low carb count. A 2-tablespoon serving has around 2 grams of carbohydrates and 17-20 grams of fat, making it an excellent choice for keto-friendly meals.

What are the health benefits or concerns of pesto dressing?

Pesto dressing can provide health benefits due to its healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, antioxidants from basil, and calcium from Parmesan cheese. However, it is calorie-dense, with around 160-180 calories per 2 tablespoons, so portion control is important to avoid excessive calorie intake.

How much pesto dressing should I use per serving?

A typical serving size of pesto dressing is about 2 tablespoons. This is sufficient to add flavor to pasta, salads, or meats without excessive calorie intake. Adjust the portion based on your dietary goals or specific recipe needs.

How does pesto dressing compare to other salad dressings?

Compared to other dressings such as ranch or Caesar, pesto dressing tends to be higher in healthy fats due to olive oil and pine nuts and lower in added sugar. However, it is equally high in calories, so it’s important to use it sparingly if you're watching your calorie intake.

Data Sources & Scientific References

Our nutrition data comes from trusted, authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. Below are specific scientific references and authoritative sources for this food item.

Additional Authoritative Sources:

Daily value percentages based on FDA guidelines. Nutrient recommendations from NIH Office of Dietary Supplements and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

About SnapCalorie: We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based nutrition information. Our data is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and USDA databases. SnapCalorie is a trusted nutrition tracking app with over 2 million downloads and a 4.8/5 star rating.