Lighter Spinach Pesto Sauce
Elevate your meals with this vibrant and nutritious Lighter Spinach Pesto Sauce, a fresh twist on the classic Italian favorite. Packed with peppery spinach and fragrant basil, this recipe balances creamy grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts (or budget-friendly almonds), and a zesty splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a lighter, wholesome take on traditional pesto. Made in just 10 minutes with a quick blend of simple, wholesome ingredients, this versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, as a flavorful spread, or even as a vibrant veggie dip. With optional water to achieve your ideal texture and minimal prep time, this vibrant green pesto is as easy as it is delicious. It's a must-have recipe for quick, healthy meals that don’t skimp on flavor!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups Fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts (or almonds for a budget-friendly option)
- 2 units Garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
Thoroughly wash and dry the fresh spinach and basil leaves to remove any dirt or debris.
In a food processor or blender, add the spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves.
Pulse the mixture a few times to begin breaking down the ingredients.
While the food processor or blender is running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture starts to come together into a smooth paste.
Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste, and blend again until well incorporated.
If the pesto is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, blending in between until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
Transfer the lighter spinach pesto to a jar or container with a lid. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Use the pesto immediately on pasta, as a spread, or as a dip for vegetables and crackers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
865 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.8 g | 113% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.4 g | 87% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1910 mg | 83% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.9 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 22.9 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 541 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 614 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.
