Low Fat Basil Tomato Pesto
Bright, zesty, and packed with garden-fresh flavor, this Low Fat Basil Tomato Pesto is a lighter take on the classic Italian sauce. Bursting with the herby aroma of fresh basil and the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes, this vibrant pesto is enriched with just a touch of Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts for a nutty depth. A splash of lemon juice adds a tangy twist, while a reduced amount of olive oil keeps the recipe low in fat without sacrificing its creamy texture. With a quick 10-minute prep time and no cooking required, this versatile pesto is perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over grilled vegetables. Wholesome and delicious, it's the guilt-free way to savor your favorite flavors of summer.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts (toasted)
- 1 large Garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 0.25 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the fresh basil leaves and gently pat them dry.
Toast the pine nuts in a small, dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and garlic clove. Pulse several times until the mixture is finely chopped.
Add the extra-virgin olive oil, water, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the food processor. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the container as needed.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Transfer the pesto to a jar or bowl and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
445 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.2 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 772 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.4 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.9 g | ||
| Protein | 9.4 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 194 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 625 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.
