Low Fat Spinach Pesto

Creamy, flavorful, and guilt-free, this Low Fat Spinach Pesto is a healthier twist on the classic recipe, perfect for those looking to enjoy bold taste with fewer calories. Packed with vibrant spinach and basil, this pesto gets its creamy texture from low-fat Greek yogurt, making it a lighter alternative to traditional versions. Fresh garlic, grated Parmesan, and a splash of lemon juice add zing, while optional almonds or walnuts lend a delightful crunch. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, it’s a versatile condiment that pairs beautifully with pasta, roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, or as a spread for wraps and sandwiches. Plus, it's easy to adjust to your preferred consistency, making it a must-try for healthy home cooks. Perfect for meal prep, this pesto can be refrigerated for up to five days, keeping your weeknight meals delicious and stress-free.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups Fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons Low-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 units Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Raw almonds or walnuts (optional, for texture)
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Water (if needed, for thinning)

Directions

Step 1

Wash and dry the fresh spinach and basil leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.

Step 2

In a food processor, add the fresh spinach, basil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, optional almonds or walnuts, and fresh lemon juice.

Step 3

Pulse the mixture a few times until the leaves and nuts (if using) are coarsely chopped.

Step 4

Add the low-fat Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the food processor.

Step 5

Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 6

If the pesto is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, a little at a time, and blend until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 8

Transfer the pesto to a bowl and use immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(264.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	435.0

Total Fat 39.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 14.5mg	0%
Sodium 1430.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 12.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.7g	0%
Total Sugars 3.1g
Protein 15.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 319.7mg	0%
Iron 3.6mg	0%
Potassium 734.9mg	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: 76.0%

Protein: 13.0%

Carbs: 11.0%