High Protein Red Pesto Sauce
Elevate your meals with this flavorful and nutrient-rich High Protein Red Pesto Sauce, a bold twist on the classic basil pesto. Packed with creamy chickpeas, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this sauce boasts a hearty dose of plant-based protein alongside vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Fresh basil and almonds bring earthy notes, while garlic and zesty lemon juice add depth and brightness. Quick to make—ready in just 20 minutes—this versatile sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, works as a delicious sandwich spread, or shines as a dip for veggies and crackers. With its creamy texture and bold taste, this high protein pesto recipe is a game changer for easy, wholesome meals!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 whole roasted red peppers
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 0.25 cup almonds
- 2 garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Begin by draining the canned chickpeas and rinsing them under cold water to reduce sodium content and improve texture. Set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil), drained chickpeas, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, almonds, and garlic cloves.
3. Pulse the ingredients a few times until roughly chopped and blended.
4. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube of the food processor while it's running. This will help the mixture emulsify into a smooth sauce.
5. Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the processor. Blitz the mixture until smooth, or to your desired consistency.
6. Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice if you prefer a bit more zing.
7. Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve this protein-packed red pesto sauce with your favorite pasta, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a delicious dip.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2322 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 166.9 g | 214% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.4 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 2581 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 157.4 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.7 g | 167% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.0 g | ||
| Protein | 67.9 g | 136% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 926 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 17.6 mg | 98% | |
| Potassium | 3494 mg | 74% | |
*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.
