Low Fat Pesto Sauce
Bright, fresh, and perfectly creamy, this Low Fat Pesto Sauce delivers all the classic flavors of traditional pesto with a guilt-free twist. Made with a vibrant mix of fresh basil and spinach leaves, tangy non-fat Greek yogurt, and just a touch of olive oil, this recipe is packed with flavor while keeping the calories in check. Toasted pine nuts (or budget-friendly walnuts) add a nutty depth, while Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a splash of zesty lemon juice elevate the taste profile. Quick and easy to prepare in just 10 minutes, this healthy pesto sauce is perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or serving as a delicious veggie dip. Enjoy a versatile, low-fat alternative to traditional pesto that doesn’t skimp on taste!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup Fresh spinach leaves
- 1 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- as needed Water (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
Rinse the fresh basil and spinach leaves under cold water and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture.
Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them to make blending easier.
To toast the nuts, add the pine nuts (or walnuts) to a small skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the basil leaves, spinach leaves, Parmesan cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, toasted nuts, salt, and black pepper.
Blend the mixture until it forms a smooth and creamy sauce. If the pesto is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time and continue blending until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if needed.
Transfer the pesto sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Serve immediately on pasta, as a sandwich spread, or as a dip for vegetables. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
528 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.6 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.7 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 38 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1783 mg | 78% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 19.5 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.0 g | ||
| Protein | 40.8 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 668 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 403 mg | 9% | |
*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.
