Low Fat Spinach Pesto
Bright, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Low Fat Spinach Pesto is a nutritious spin on the classic recipe without sacrificing taste. Made with fresh spinach and basil, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of low-fat Greek yogurt, this pesto is lighter yet rich in texture, while optional almonds or walnuts add an irresistible crunch. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or even as a vegetable dip, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 10 minutes with no cooking required. Whether you're aiming to eat healthier or try a new twist on traditional pesto, this dairy-savvy version is ideal for guilt-free indulgence and meal prep versatility.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons Low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Raw almonds or walnuts (optional, for texture)
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water (if needed, for thinning)
Instructions
Wash and dry the fresh spinach and basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
In a food processor, add the fresh spinach, basil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, optional almonds or walnuts, and fresh lemon juice.
Pulse the mixture a few times until the leaves and nuts (if using) are coarsely chopped.
Add the low-fat Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the food processor.
Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
If the pesto is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, a little at a time, and blend until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Transfer the pesto to a bowl and use immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
435 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.3 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.1 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 14 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 1431 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.8 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.1 g | ||
| Protein | 15.1 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 320 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 3.6 mg | 20% | |
| Potassium | 735 mg | 16% | |
*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.
