Healthy Creamy Pesto Sauce
Elevate your meals with this Healthy Creamy Pesto Sauce, a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite! Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh basil and zesty lemon juice, this recipe swaps traditional heavy cream for protein-packed non-fat Greek yogurt, creating a rich, velvety texture without the extra calories. Raw cashews or walnuts add a subtle nuttiness, while freshly grated Parmesan and aromatic garlic deepen the flavor profile. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile sauce is perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta, drizzling over roasted vegetables, or spreading on sandwiches. Whether you're meal-prepping or whipping up something quick, this creamy pesto will become your go-to healthy indulgence. Plus, it’s easy to store and enjoy later—perfect for your busy lifestyle!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups Plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 0.25 cups Extra virgin olive oil
- 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cups Raw cashews (or walnuts)
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons (or as needed) Water
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Place the fresh basil leaves, Greek yogurt, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, cashews, and garlic cloves into a high-powered blender or food processor.
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the blender.
Blend the mixture on high speed, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until the ingredients form a smooth and creamy pesto sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time and blend again until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
Transfer the creamy pesto sauce to a jar or airtight container for storage, or use immediately with pasta, as a spread, or in your favorite recipes.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1036 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 86.4 g | 111% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.4 g | 107% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 36 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 1930 mg | 84% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.5 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.3 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.2 g | ||
| Protein | 44.9 g | 90% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 950 mg | 73% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 852 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
