Sugar-Free Classic Pesto Dressing
Elevate your meals with this quick and flavorful Sugar-Free Classic Pesto Dressing, a healthier spin on the beloved Italian classic. Packed with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, creamy Parmesan cheese, and zesty lemon juice, this sugar-free recipe delivers robust flavors in just 10 minutes. Perfectly balanced with garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of sea salt and black pepper, this smooth and versatile pesto is ideal for salad dressings, pasta sauces, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables. With no added sugar, it’s a guilt-free addition to your culinary repertoire that’s bursting with freshness and Mediterranean charm.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups pine nuts
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 0.5 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoons sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
Start by preparing the basil leaves. Gently rinse the basil leaves under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove any tough stems.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool.
Peel the garlic cloves and roughly chop them.
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped garlic cloves. Pulse a few times until the mixture is roughly combined.
With the processor running on low, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube. Process until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Add the lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse a few more times to incorporate all the ingredients.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or lemon juice if a brighter flavor is desired.
Transfer the pesto dressing into an airtight container and refrigerate if not using immediately.
Serve as a dressing for salads, a sauce for pasta, or a topping for grilled vegetables. Enjoy your Sugar-Free Classic Pesto Dressing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1613 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 170.5 g | 219% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.3 g | 136% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 23.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 1846 mg | 80% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.6 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 27.5 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 527 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 617 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.
