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.
LIGHTER BASIL PESTO
Basil pesto is one of my favorite foods, especially in the summer. Unfortunately pesto is very high in fat and calories, so I have been working to create a lower fat and calorie version. This pesto is creamy and delicious without the guilt! This recipe is also great with any type of stock or nuts that you have at home.
Provided by Jtallent
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Chop basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor. Add ricotta cheese to the basil mixture and process. Repeat with Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add vegetable broth and process until sauce is smooth. Add more broth if pesto is too thick.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 42 calories, Carbohydrate 1.3 g, Cholesterol 4.6 mg, Fat 3.1 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 55.6 mg, Sugar 0.2 g
BASIL PESTO - "LIGHTER VERSION"
A lighter version of the clasic pesto. This recipe is great for all the beautiful, fresh basil available in the summer
Provided by Kozmic Blues
Categories Sauces
Time 5m
Yield 3/4 cup
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Add nuts and garlic to blender and pulse until minced.
- Add olive oil, pulse a few time more.
- Add basil leaves, cheese, salt and blend until smooth.
- Scrape sides of blender as you go to make sure everthing mixes well.
- Serve with your favorite pasta.
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.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#weeknight #15-minutes-or-less #time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #cuisine #preparation #occasion #sauces #condiments-etc #vegetables #australian #easy #vegetarian #nuts #food-processor-blender #dietary #low-sodium #low-cholesterol #low-calorie #low-carb #healthy-2 #low-in-something #taste-mood #savory #equipment #small-appliance #3-steps-or-less #from-scratch
