Best 7 Lighter Spinach Pesto Sauce Recipes
Craving a vibrant and flavorful sauce to elevate your meals? Look no further than this collection of spinach pesto sauce recipes. From a classic pesto with a vibrant green hue to unique variations that incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and even arugula, these recipes offer a versatile range of flavors to suit every palate. Whether you're a seasoned pesto enthusiast or new to this culinary delight, these recipes provide easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process of creating a delicious and versatile sauce.
The classic spinach pesto recipe forms the foundation of this collection, offering a balanced blend of fresh spinach, basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. With its vibrant green color and nutty flavor, this pesto is a perfect addition to pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats. Variations of this classic include the sun-dried tomato pesto, which adds a tangy and savory twist, and the roasted red pepper pesto, which brings a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the mix. For those seeking a peppery kick, the arugula pesto offers a unique and zesty alternative to traditional basil pesto. Each recipe includes detailed ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure a smooth and flavorful pesto sauce. Whether you're a busy home cook or an experienced chef, these recipes provide the guidance and inspiration you need to create a delectable spinach pesto sauce that will impress your taste buds and tantalize your senses.
LIGHTER SPINACH PESTO SAUCE
I tried this pesto sauce at my sister-in-law's house and thought it was really good. It has much less oil than a traditional pesto and the picante sauce gives it a nice kick.
Provided by Chris from Kansas
Categories Sauces
Time 10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Reserve 1/2 cup picante sauce.
- Blend all remaining ingredients in blender or food processor.
- Fold in remaining picante sauce.
- Mix with hot cooked pasta.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
SPINACH PESTO
Serve this vibrant pesto on pasta, pizza, sandwiches and more. If you don't have fresh oregano on hand, you can omit it. -Susan Westerfield, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 15m
Yield 2 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place the first 6 ingredients in a food processor; cover and pulse until chopped. Add the walnuts, lemon juice and zest; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream., Serve desired amount of pesto with pasta. Transfer remaining pesto to ice cube trays. Cover and freeze up to 1 month., To use frozen pesto: Thaw in the refrigerator for 3 hours. Serve with pasta.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 177 calories, Fat 18g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 205mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
PASTA WITH SPINACH PESTO SAUCE
A healthy, low-fat alternative to high-fat pesto sauce. Can also be made with basil or cilantro.
Provided by Sheila Martin
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 45m
Yield 5
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, in food processor or blender, combine spinach, tofu, lemon juice, garlic, broth, cheese, pepper, and Italian seasoning, process until smooth. Set aside.
- Spray a large non-stick saute pan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, cook onions and mushrooms until tender. Reduce heat to low, add pesto mixture and heat until hot.
- Toss pasta with sauce and bacon bits. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. NOTE: If sauce seems too thick, thin to desired consistency with pasta cooking water or broth.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 450.8 calories, Carbohydrate 76.7 g, Cholesterol 11.1 mg, Fat 6.5 g, Fiber 6.5 g, Protein 25.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 416.6 mg, Sugar 5.8 g
SPINACH PESTO PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: chicken breast, salt, pepper, spaghetti, fresh spinach, walnuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, lemon juice, olive oil
Provided by Hitomi Aihara
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a food processor, add all ingredients to make pesto and blend until walnuts are finely blended.
- In a hot pan, add olive oil and cook chicken breast. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the chicken and slice.
- Combine the chicken and pesto sauce into spaghetti and mix until the sauce fully coats the pasta.
- Serve and top it off with parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 627 calories, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 39 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 23 grams, Sugar 2 grams
LIGHTER PESTO
With fresh basil at its summer peak, we can add more basil and less oil and nuts to this recipe.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Gluten-Free Recipes
Time 10m
Yield Makes 3/4 cup
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a food processor, combine basil, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons water; season with salt and pepper. Puree until a paste forms.
- With motor running, add oil in a thin stream. Process until very smooth, about 1 minute.
Nutrition Facts : Fat 16 g, Fiber 8 g, Protein 11 g
SPINACH PESTO SAUCE SUPER EASY AND TASTY
I am the Queen of Pesto in my community! Something so easy to make, so good yet so many people think it is hard to make. I grow all of our produce and when basil is at its peak, it is time to make huge batches of pesto. Now I have lots of fresh baby spinach and adapted my basil pesto recipe for spinach. It is great with fresh fettuccine, topped over grilled fish and baked with chicken or pork. COOKS NOTES: I usually guess with the amount of ingredients, depending on how much I have and what taste I am looking for. Experiment with quantities to suit your taste!
Provided by kiwidutch
Categories Sauces
Time 15m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place a few spinach leaves, garlic, pine nuts, basil and a little oil in blender or food processor container.
- Cover and puree until leaves begin to look crushed. Continue adding spinach leaves a few at a time with small amounts of oil to blender, using a rubber spatula to help to combine pureed mixture.
- Add Parmesan cheese and 1/8 teaspoons salt. Cover and process until spinach pesto mixture is smooth.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 208.1, Fat 20.3, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 7.3, Sodium 224.4, Carbohydrate 3, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 0.5, Protein 5.1
SPINACH BASIL PESTO
This sauce is perfect for freezing in an ice cube tray. I just pop out a couple of cubes from the freezer and add to a pasta dish for a quick and easy meal. The Parmesan cheese can be omitted and added after thawing. Pour any pesto you aren't using immediately into an ice cube tray, cover with plastic wrap, and store in freezer.
Provided by Dianne
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes Pasta Sauce Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Blend the spinach, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a food processor until nearly smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula as necessary. Drizzle the remaining olive oil into the mixture while processing until smooth.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 67 calories, Carbohydrate 0.8 g, Cholesterol 1.5 mg, Fat 6.6 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 87.2 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
Tips and Conclusion
The Lighter Spinach Pesto Sauce recipe offers a comprehensive guide to preparing a healthier and flavorful pesto sauce. Here's a summary of tips and a conclusion to enhance your understanding of the recipe:
Tips:
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach leaves, basil leaves, and pine nuts for optimal flavor and texture.
- Substituting Herbs: If basil is unavailable, consider using alternatives like parsley, arugula, or mint.
- Adjusting Nut Options: Feel free to use almonds, walnuts, or a combination of nuts for a unique flavor profile.
- Choosing Cheese: Opt for a flavorful cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a richer taste.
- Olive Oil Quality: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the sauce's flavor and aroma.
- Lemon Juice: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors and add a hint of brightness.
- Blended vs. Chopped: For a smoother consistency, blend the pesto sauce until it reaches your desired texture. Alternatively, you can chop the ingredients finely for a rustic texture.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover pesto sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sauce in ice cube trays for longer storage.
- Versatile Uses: Use the pesto sauce as a spread on sandwiches, a dressing for pasta or salads, a dip for vegetables, or a marinade for chicken or fish.
Conclusion:
The Lighter Spinach Pesto Sauce recipe provides a delicious and versatile sauce that can elevate various dishes. With its focus on fresh ingredients, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional pesto sauces. The substitution options for herbs and nuts make it adaptable to personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Experiment with different combinations to create your unique flavor combinations. The sauce's versatility allows it to be used in various culinary applications, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and enjoy this lighter, brighter, and flavorful pesto sauce!
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