Low Fat Classic Green Pesto

Bright, fresh, and health-conscious, this Low Fat Classic Green Pesto is a lighter take on the beloved Italian staple without compromising on flavor. Packed with fragrant basil and vibrant spinach leaves, this recipe swaps excessive oil for a splash of water to achieve a creamy yet guilt-free texture. A touch of lemon juice adds zesty brightness, while Parmesan cheese and a choice of pine nuts or walnuts lend the perfect balance of nuttiness and umami. Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-cook homemade pesto is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce. It's a quick and easy way to elevate any meal while keeping things light and nutritious!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Fresh spinach leaves
• 2 units Garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts or walnuts
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Start by rinsing the fresh basil and spinach leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or a salad spinner.

Step 2

Peel the garlic cloves and chop them into smaller pieces to make blending easier.

Step 3

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, spinach leaves, chopped garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts or walnuts. Pulse the mixture several times until the ingredients are roughly chopped.

Step 4

Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of water to the mixture in the food processor. Pulse again until all the ingredients start coming together into a paste.

Step 5

Season the pesto with salt and black pepper. Check the consistency; if it seems too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of water to achieve the desired smoothness.

Step 6

Blend everything together on a low setting until the pesto reaches a smooth but slightly chunky texture. Be careful not to over-blend, as you want some texture from the nuts and cheese.

Step 7

Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning with additional salt, lemon juice, or cheese if necessary.

Step 8

Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate. It's best consumed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(156.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	344.7

Total Fat 31.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 20mg	0%
Sodium 1539.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 7.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.7g	0%
Total Sugars 1.0g
Protein 12.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 307.6mg	0%
Iron 3.0mg	0%
Potassium 387.4mg	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: 77.7%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 8.3%