Low Sodium Red Pesto
Elevate your kitchen creations with this vibrant and heart-healthy **Low Sodium Red Pesto**! Packed with bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic, this recipe swaps traditional pine nuts for slivered almonds to add a unique twist while keeping things light. A touch of Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice bring richness and brightness to every bite, all blended seamlessly with extra virgin olive oil for a silky texture. Ready in just 15 minutes without a stovetop required, this low sodium pesto is perfect as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a dip for veggies. Tailored for those watching their sodium intake while craving bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this red pesto is sure to become a refrigerator staple!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Slivered almonds
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 Garlic cloves, peeled
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Begin by soaking the sun-dried tomatoes in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them, unless you are using oil-packed tomatoes.
Drain the tomatoes and add them to a food processor along with basil leaves, slivered almonds, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves.
Pulse the ingredients in the food processor a few times until they are coarsely blended.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add the lemon juice, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Blend again to incorporate.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, remembering that this recipe is designed to be low sodium.
Transfer the pesto to a jar or an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Use this vibrant red pesto as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or a flavorful dip.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1757 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 164.0 g | 210% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.3 g | 146% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 966 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.5 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.5 g | ||
| Protein | 46.0 g | 92% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 901 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 8.8 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 2573 mg | 55% | |
*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.
