Low Fat Classic Basil Pesto Sauce

Brighten up your meals with this Low Fat Classic Basil Pesto Sauce, a healthier twist on the traditional favorite! Made with aromatic fresh basil leaves, creamy low-fat ricotta, a hint of zesty lemon juice, and just the right touch of grated Parmesan, this pesto delivers bold flavor with less fat. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful nuttiness, while a splash of extra virgin olive oil keeps it silky smooth. Perfect as a spread, dip, or pasta sauce, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and can be customized to your preferred consistency. Whether you’re dressing up a simple salad or enhancing your favorite pasta dish, this low-fat pesto proves that you don’t have to compromise on taste to eat healthy!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 2 large Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Low-fat ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing your ingredients: rinse the fresh basil leaves under cool water and pat them dry. Peel the garlic cloves.

Step 2

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts gently for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally until they are golden brown and aromatic. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let them cool.

Step 3

In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic cloves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and low-fat ricotta cheese. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and blended.

Step 4

Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl, then add the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Process until well combined.

Step 5

While the processor is running, gradually add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be smooth and slightly runny, not too thick.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 7

Transfer the pesto to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the pesto in ice cube trays, then transferring the cubes to a zip-top bag once frozen.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(174.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	451.6

Total Fat 43.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 16.4mg	0%
Sodium 1293.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 9.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.5g	0%
Total Sugars 1.1g
Protein 9.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 216.1mg	0%
Iron 2.7mg	0%
Potassium 331.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 83.3%

Protein: 8.4%

Carbs: 8.3%