Heart-Healthy Classic Basil Pesto Sauce
Elevate your dishes with this heart-healthy classic basil pesto sauce, a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional pesto. This recipe swaps out heavy Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast, delivering a rich, cheesy flavor that’s completely dairy-free. Toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and zesty lemon juice come together in perfect harmony, while a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil creates a smooth and luscious texture. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile sauce complements everything from whole-grain pasta to roasted vegetables and grilled proteins. With its quick prep, bold flavors, and health-conscious ingredients, this basil pesto is perfect for those looking to indulge without compromise.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Water
Directions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing and drying the fresh basil leaves. This will remove any dirt or pesticides and ensure they blend well.
Step 2
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Once golden brown and fragrant, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly.
Step 3
Place the toasted pine nuts into a food processor. Add the garlic cloves and process until they are finely minced.
Step 4
Add the basil leaves to the food processor along with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper.
Step 5
Pulse the mixture until it becomes coarse and well combined.
Step 6
With the food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. This will help emulsify the pesto into a smooth sauce.
Step 7
If the mixture is too thick, gradually add up to 2 tablespoons of water, processing until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 8
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 9
Transfer the pesto to a storage container or jar, and cover it with a thin layer of olive oil to preserve freshness.
Step 10
Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (195.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 827.4 |
| Total Fat 82.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 9.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1195.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 15.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 5.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.6g | |
| Protein 12.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 81.8mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 600.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories