Light Pesto Sauce
Elevate your meals with this vibrant and flavorful Light Pesto Sauce, a healthier twist on the classic recipe! Packed with the fresh, herby aroma of basil and the subtle earthiness of baby spinach, this sauce is perfect for adding a burst of freshness to pasta, sandwiches, or grilled vegetables. Toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of lemon juice bring rich, nutty undertones and zesty brightness, while a touch of water cuts down the oil content, creating a lighter, nutrient-packed version. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this creamy and versatile sauce is an effortless way to upgrade any dish without the guilt. Perfect for meal prep, it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups (packed) Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup (packed) Baby spinach
- 2 units Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
- 3 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse and pat dry the fresh basil leaves and baby spinach. Set aside.
Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them to make blending easier.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool for a minute.
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the basil leaves, baby spinach, garlic, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
Pulse a few times to chop the ingredients and combine them evenly.
With the food processor running on low, drizzle in the olive oil and water slowly, blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse again to incorporate the seasoning. Adjust the flavor with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
If the pesto is too thick, add 1-2 more tablespoons of water, blending after each addition until the desired consistency is reached.
Transfer the pesto sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week, or use immediately as desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
79 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.2 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.3 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 210 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1.8 g | 1% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 2.3 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 62 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 91 mg | 2% | |
*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.
