Low Sodium Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
Elevate your meals with this vibrant and heart-healthy *Low Sodium Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto*! Packed with the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and zesty lemon, this easy, 10-minute recipe offers a lower-sodium twist on classic pesto without sacrificing taste. Unsalted cashews or walnuts add a rich, nutty creaminess, while a touch of garlic and grated Parmesan cheese (optional for a vegan-friendly version) tie it all together. Perfect as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or veggie dip, this versatile and nutrient-rich pesto is a guilt-free way to enhance any dish. Whip up a batch, and savor the Mediterranean-inspired goodness while staying mindful of your sodium intake.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil, unsalted)
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cup Raw, unsalted cashews (or walnuts)
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese (low-sodium or omit for vegan option)
- 2 large Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak for 5-10 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a food processor, combine the soaked sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, unsalted cashews (or walnuts), grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and garlic cloves.
Step 3
Pulse the mixture until it starts to come together into a coarse paste.
Step 4
Add the lemon juice, olive oil, and water to the food processor. Blend the mixture until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust the texture by adding more water, one tablespoon at a time, if necessary.
Step 5
Taste the pesto and season with black pepper, if desired. Avoid adding salt to keep the recipe low in sodium.
Step 6
Transfer the pesto to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.
Step 7
Use as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or vegetable dip. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (435.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1844.6 |
| Total Fat 154.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 31.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 11.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 228.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 87.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 44.8g | |
| Protein 49.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 807.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3963.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories