Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto Sauce
Elevate your culinary creations with our 'Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto Sauce,' a flavorful twist on the beloved Italian classic. Bursting with the vibrant aroma of fresh basil, this recipe ditches traditional Parmesan cheese for nutrient-packed nutritional yeast, making it both heart-friendly and dairy-free. Toasted pine nuts, zesty lemon juice, and rich extra-virgin olive oil come together to create a silky, aromatic sauce that's perfect for pasta, roasted veggies, or as a spread. With a quick prep time of just 10 minutes and simple, wholesome ingredients, this guilt-free pesto is as easy as it is nutritious. Whether you’re looking for vegan sauce ideas, healthy meal inspiration, or classic pesto with a modern touch, this recipe ticks all the boxes!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the fresh basil leaves. This will remove any dirt or pesticides and ensure they blend well.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Once golden brown and fragrant, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.
Place the toasted pine nuts into a food processor. Add the garlic cloves and process until they are finely minced.
Add the basil leaves to the food processor along with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper.
Pulse the mixture until it becomes coarse and well combined.
With the food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. This will help emulsify the pesto into a smooth sauce.
If the mixture is too thick, gradually add up to 2 tablespoons of water, processing until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning as needed.
Transfer the pesto to a storage container or jar, and cover it with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve freshness.
Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
827 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 82.9 g | 106% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.9 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1195 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.1 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 12.8 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 82 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 600 mg | 13% | |
*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.
