Low Sodium Spinach Pesto
Bright, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Low Sodium Spinach Pesto is the perfect healthy twist on a classic favorite! Packed with nutrient-rich fresh spinach and basil, the recipe features raw unsalted walnuts and tangy lemon juice, delivering that zesty, nutty goodness without the need for added salt. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy depth of flavor, while extra virgin olive oil ensures a smooth, creamy texture. With just 10 minutes of prep, this heart-healthy pesto is ideal for pasta, sandwiches, or as a veggie dip. Whether you're watching sodium intake or simply looking for a lighter sauce option, this low-sodium pesto is a deliciously versatile addition to your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh spinach
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Raw unsalted walnuts
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse and pat dry the fresh spinach and basil leaves to ensure they are clean and free of water.
In a food processor, combine the spinach, basil, walnuts, and garlic. Pulse several times until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
Add the lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse again to incorporate the ingredients.
While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
If the pesto seems too thick, add the water one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition, until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Note that this is a low-sodium recipe, so avoid adding salt. The lemon juice and nutritional yeast provide flavor balance.
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Use the pesto as a sauce for pasta, a spread for sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
967 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 96.2 g | 123% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 59 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.2 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 19.0 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 148 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 600 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.
