Indulge in a culinary symphony of flavors with this curated collection of tantalizing low-fat pesto recipes. From the classic Genovese to the vibrant arugula and the nutty sun-dried tomato variants, each pesto creation is a masterpiece of culinary art. Embark on this flavor-packed journey, where fresh herbs, aromatic nuts, and zesty cheeses unite to create a symphony of taste. These versatile sauces transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences, adding depth and vibrancy to pasta, chicken, vegetables, and more. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and redefine your perception of healthy eating with these delectable low-fat pesto recipes.
Let's cook with our recipes!
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
LOW FAT PESTO SAUCE
Pesto sauce is great, but it usually has olive oil, not chicken broth. This recipe substitutes with chicken broth.
Provided by Lorane Abari
Categories Sauces
Time 15m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Combine stock and garlic and heat in the microwave on high for 5 minutes (or heat on the stove). Allow to cool.
- Chop basil in food processor. Add cooled stock, Parmesan cheese and pine nuts. Whirl until everything is finely chopped and blended.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta of your choice. Toss sauce with pasta. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Use as a topping for fish, chicken or potatoes also. Makes 4 servings.
NUT FREE BASIL PESTO WITH LEMON [NO OIL]
Steps:
- Add all the ingredients except the water to a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time, as needed to reach desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 5 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, Sodium 195 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving
HEALTHY CREAMY PESTO SAUCE
This is a recipe I make over and over--it's simple, fast, healthy, inexpensive and good for any season/occasion. I love creamy pesto sauces over pasta, but ya know those sauces ain't so healthy: high in fat, sodium, or both. Even those little packets of creamy pesto sauce in the "gravy" aisle aren't good for you. This sauce is better for you and even faster to make than one of those packets! You can adjust to taste or what you have on hand: I've used fat-free yoghurt, low fat yoghurt and (my favourite) homemade yoghurt--you can buy fresh at an Indian grocer. The recipe makes about a cup, which you can mix with cooked chicken or sauteed mushrooms (or both, like I do!) or steamed clams or steamed veggies and pour over enough cooked pasta for 2-4 people. I'll post other recipes with some of my favourite uses, but be creative!
Provided by bikerchick
Categories Sauces
Time 2m
Yield 2-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Mix yoghurt and pesto together in a small saucepan, stirring well to blend.
- Heat on low until warmed through (do not overheat).
- Add fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- That's it!
- Serve over your favourite hot pasta or other main dish, such as fish or chicken.
- (if you skip the heating step, this makes a good salad dressing, too).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 91.7, Fat 4.2, SaturatedFat 2.6, Cholesterol 15.9, Sodium 58.6, Carbohydrate 9.8, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 5.8, Protein 5.2
GNOCCHI WITH PESTO SAUCE
Perk up gnocchi and vegetables with a flavorful pesto sauce. If you don't have pine nuts for the topping, skip or substitute any nut you like. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute zucchini and pepper until zucchini is tender., Add pesto and gnocchi, stirring gently to coat. Stir in tomatoes. If desired, top with pine nuts.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 327 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 682mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 9g protein.
Tips:
- Use fresh basil: Fresh basil leaves give pesto its characteristic flavor. If you can't find fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Use a food processor: A food processor is the easiest way to make pesto. You can also use a blender, but the pesto may be less smooth.
- Add nuts or seeds: Nuts or seeds add a nice crunchy texture to pesto. You can use pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
- Add cheese: Cheese adds a creamy richness to pesto. You can use Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago cheese.
- Season to taste: Pesto should be flavorful, but not overpowering. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Conclusion:
Low-fat pesto sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great way to add flavor to pasta, vegetables, and meat. Pesto can also be used as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. With a few simple ingredients and a food processor, you can easily make your own low-fat pesto sauce at home.
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