HOMEMADE HEALTHY PESTO RECIPE

5 from 3 votes

This is the ultimate homemade healthy pesto recipe! I’ve lightened up this classic Italian recipe without sacrificing any of that delicious flavor we all love.

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time12

Course: Sauces

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: easy pesto recipe, healthy pesto, homemade pesto, pesto, pesto recipe

Servings: servings

Ingredients

1 large bunch of basil (about 4 ounces)
2 tablespoons pine nuts toasted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 large garlic clove crushed
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of both
3 tablespoons cold water
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Add the pine nuts to a small pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Then, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently so they don’t burn. The toasted pine nuts should be golden brown, not burnt. Once toasted, remove them from the pan and let them cool.
Wash and dry the basil. Next, remove the stems from the basil leaves. Add the basil leaves, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, Parmesan cheese, cold water, salt, and toasted pine nuts to a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth and creamy. After that, serve this pesto and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Serving: This recipe makes about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of pesto. This recipe serves four and each serving is about 2 to 2.5 tablespoons of pesto.
Toast The Pine Nuts: Lightly toasting the pine nuts enhances their natural flavor and adds a nutty richness to the pesto. Don’t just add the pine nuts to the blender, it is important to toast them first for the best flavor.
Storage: Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

WW Points: 3 points per serving

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Nutrition