Keto Classic Basil Pesto
Elevate your low-carb cooking with this Keto Classic Basil Pesto! Bursting with vibrant flavors, this quick and easy recipe combines fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, zesty lemon juice, and a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy sauce that's perfect for keto-friendly meals. Smoothly blended with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and a touch of seasoning, this homemade pesto is ideal as a topping for grilled meats, a drizzle over roasted vegetables, or a dip for your favorite snacks. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a low-carb, high-flavor staple that’s perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners. Whether you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle or simply love classic Italian flavors, this pesto is sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 2 units Garlic cloves, peeled
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing your basil. Measure 2 cups of loosely packed fresh basil leaves. Wash and thoroughly dry the basil leaves using a salad spinner or patting with paper towels.
2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
4. Add the basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice to the food processor. Pulse again to combine until you have a coarse paste.
5. With the motor running on low, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue to process until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Scrape down the sides as necessary.
6. Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
7. Transfer the pesto to a clean jar or bowl. Store in the refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top to maintain freshness for up to one week.
8. Enjoy as a sauce for grilled meats, a dressing for salads, or a flavorful addition to roasted vegetables!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1449 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 149.5 g | 192% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.6 g | 133% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1661 mg | 72% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.9 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 25.1 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 628 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 650 mg | 14% | |
*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.
