Low Sodium Classic Basil Pesto
Brighten up your dishes with this Low Sodium Classic Basil Pesto, a delicious and heart-healthy twist on the traditional Italian favorite. Made with fragrant fresh basil leaves, toasted unsalted pine nuts, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this pesto is as flavorful as it is versatile. The recipe swaps out salt for freshly ground black pepper and tangy citrus, delivering bold taste without compromising on health. With just 15 minutes of prep and no cooking required, this vibrant, herbaceous sauce is perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Whether you're looking for a quick appetizer or a meal-enhancing condiment, this low-sodium pesto is your go-to option for fresh, wholesome flavor.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.33 cup unsalted pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
Step 1
Start by washing the fresh basil leaves thoroughly under cold water and drying them completely, either by a salad spinner or by gently patting with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2
Toast the pine nuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep stirring continuously to avoid burning, for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool completely.
Step 3
Peel and roughly chop the garlic cloves. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, you may choose to roast the cloves first.
Step 4
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, cooled pine nuts, and chopped garlic.
Step 5
Pulse the ingredients until they are finely minced, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed to ensure even blending.
Step 6
Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuing to pulse the mixture until a smooth paste begins to form.
Step 7
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice to the processor bowl. Blend until everything is well incorporated and the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Step 8
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary; additional lemon juice can help bring out flavors without adding sodium.
Step 9
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. If not using immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, covering it with a thin layer of olive oil to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (237.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1344.1 |
| Total Fat 145.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 23.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 26.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 450.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 9.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 3.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.8g | |
| Protein 17.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 358.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 397.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories