Best 2 Lighter Basil Pesto Recipes

Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our curated collection of basil pesto recipes, ranging from classic to innovative. Experience the vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil in our traditional Basil Pesto recipe, a versatile condiment that elevates pasta dishes, sandwiches, and grilled vegetables.

For a lighter and healthier twist, try our Lighter Basil Pesto, which uses Greek yogurt instead of traditional olive oil, resulting in a creamy and tangy sauce that complements salads, fish, and chicken. Our Vegan Basil Pesto is a plant-based delight, made with walnuts and nutritional yeast, offering a rich and flavorful alternative for those following a vegan diet.

If you're looking for a unique and spicy kick, our Spicy Basil Pesto incorporates red pepper flakes and chili powder, adding a fiery touch to your favorite dishes. Get creative with our Lemon Basil Pesto, where the zest and acidity of lemon add a refreshing twist to the classic recipe, perfect for marinating meats or drizzling over grilled seafood.

Finally, our Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Pesto combines the savory sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes with the aromatic flavors of basil, creating a robust and flavorful sauce ideal for pasta dishes and pizza. With these diverse basil pesto recipes at your fingertips, you'll embark on a culinary adventure that will satisfy any palate and elevate your meals to new heights.

Let's cook with our recipes!

Tips:

• Use fresh basil: Fresh basil leaves have a more intense flavor than dried basil, so if you can, use fresh basil whenever possible.
• Toast the pine nuts: Toasting the pine nuts adds a nutty flavor to the pesto. You can toast them in a pan over medium heat, or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
• Use a food processor or blender: A food processor or blender is the easiest way to make pesto. Just add all of the ingredients to the food processor or blender and pulse until the pesto is smooth.
• Taste the pesto before serving: Pesto can vary in taste depending on the ingredients you use, so be sure to taste it before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Conclusion:

Basil pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's great on pasta, pizza, grilled chicken, or even just as a dip for bread. This lighter version of basil pesto is made with Greek yogurt instead of olive oil, which makes it a healthier option without sacrificing any flavor.